Psoriasis is one of the skin conditions that can be treated using sun lamps for psoriasis another condition that can be improved is vitiligo. Vitiligo is a common skin condition that affects up to four percent of the world’s population. It is characterized by the loss of melanocytes on the skin epidermis causing the skin or other parts of the body turning light. Though it is not considered to be dangerous, the appearances of the light patches can cause effects on the psychology of the people with vitiligo. This will cause them to have lower self-confidence. These bad effects causing people with vitiligo to seek treatments to improve or even heal the condition. One of the treatments is using UVB light for vitiligo. 

How does it work?

Treatment in the form of phototherapy works by delivering ultraviolet B light that has been filtered, metered and also prescribed. The dose of UVB light for vitiligo is determined according to the skin type and skin condition at the time. The wavelength of ultraviolet light is 311 nanometers and it will stimulate the pigments cells in the skin to produce the pigments. 

How many treatments needed?

Most of the patients with vitiligo need 20 to 30 sessions as the start. And the repigmentation can be witnessed around 1 month of treatments. To achieve the ideal result, the treatment should be done two to three times a week. When the repigmentation is seen, the therapy can be reduced and continued as the way of maintenance.

How long does it take?

The treatment using UVB light for vitiligo takes a short time even less than two minutes. The dose of UVB light is exposed to the area that is infected by vitiligo and the process is performed in the phototherapy room. It is important to know that the therapy session is safe, painless, quick, effective and easy.

The success rate

Narrowband UVB light for vitiligo and combined with topical medication has the highest rate of success in treating vitiligo compared with other treatments. To see if the treatments work, the patient should commit to at least 20 to 30 sessions. 

About side effects

Though the treatment has minimum side effects, still these potential side effects can happen. The sunburn in the area of treated patches and also the itchiness is seen in around two to three percent in the case. Skin cancer is considered very minimum in the case, but it is advised to have regular checks by the dermatologist.