Phototherapy for Vitiligo Treatment

Phototherapy

For many individuals with vitiligo, doctors may recommend phototherapy, also known as light therapy. Phototherapy may be considered as an initial treatment or as a next approach if topical medications do not work. Phototherapy works by using light to restore lost color to the skin. Phototherapy usually requires a significant time commitment — for instance, two or three treatments each week for eight to 24 months. Phototherapy can be very effective in some people with vitiligo, with 65 percent to 75 percent of cases treated successfully. However, the results of phototherapy usually fade with time, with 44 percent of people losing regained pigment within one year after treatment, and 86 percent losing color within four years if all treatment is stopped. Maintenance treatment may be needed for lasting results.

Narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy is the light treatment of choice for generalized, nonsegmental vitiligo, which is the most common type of vitiligo. NB-UVB is considered safe enough to use on children or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. NB-UVB treatment may be performed in clinics or at home with small, medium, or large devices. NB-UVB may work even better when combined with topical medication.

Lasers may be used to treat a small area of skin affected by vitiligo. Treatment with an excimer laser (a type of ultraviolet laser) provides effective results in about 70 percent of people with vitiligo.

Psoralen + UVA (PUVA) phototherapy involves taking psoralen either topically or orally, followed by a treatment with UVA light. Because PUVA has many side effects, it is no longer widely used to treat vitiligo.