How to Treat Vitiligo by Using UVB

Vitiligo is a common skin disorder that happens to people because of loss of pigmentation from the skin. White patches happen to appear on the parts of the body. The disease is not contagious and does not spread by touching or any other means. There have been many treatment options of this disease. One of the most popular treatment options for vitiligo is UVB. Phototherapy is actual treatment option that uses UVB therapies to cure vitiligo.  All the UVB phototherapy models can be utilized with a combination of different systematic agents to cure vitiligo.

UVB treatment was introduced in the 1800s in the dermatology field and since then has been a great treatment option for vitiligo.  This treatment works in a systematic way and is very effective in curing vitiligo. In the UVB phototherapy, an artificial light is used without photosensitizing agents.  For Vitiligo, the main use of UVB phototherapy is the repigmentation of the skin and disease control as well. UVB phototherapy stops the spreading of vitiligo with the help of its immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive properties. The types in which UVB is used for the treatment of vitiligo are BB-UVB and NB-UVB.

The radiation wavelengths of UVB focus on the specific chromophores present in the skin, to be more specific melanocytes, and allow the therapeutic working of the light on the white patches. The narrowband UVB also known as NB-UVB is one type of UVB treatment for vitiligo and is considered as a gold standard in the treatment of vitiligo. This treatment is best for vitiligo that covers around 20% area of the body. NB-UVB utilizes a part of the UVB spectrum. NB-UVB helps in the stimulation of the pigment cells in the body and helps in producing melanocytes.

It has a suppressive effect on body’s immune system and stops the formation of new white patches. NB-UVB treatment can be done in any doctor’s office with a cabinet that covers full body. It can also be done from home with a doctor’s prescription and handheld device. 

The handheld devices are best for small areas but not good for larger spots as these devices cover small areas in one time. NB-UVB is sometimes used with other treatment options but is very effective on its own as well. The results of NB-UVB treatment for vitiligo are seen when at least 30 treatments are done. A treatment shall be done 3 times per week.

There are certain side effects of NB-UVB like burning if used for longer. The skin can also tan if a full body panel is used.  Eye protection is necessary during the treatment to protect the eyes.

Treatment of Vitiligo, using UVB is done the way mentioned above, certainly gives positive results but after some time. So you will have to be patient if you have opted for UVB treatment of vitiligo. The results are guaranteed and you will see them yourself.

Many skin doctors are using different type of natural herbs for vitiligo skin disease

like babchi extract for vitiligo affected depigmentation skin recovery in natural manners. That can be dangerous for human skin if self practice. So always consult your doctor before using uvb with other natural method for treatment of vitiligo.