HomeAnswersDermatologyvitiligoWill phototherapy with UVB help in curing vitiligo?

Is it good to do phototherapy with UVB for vitiligo?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At January 17, 2021
Reviewed AtJanuary 12, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have a huge vitiligo white spot on the back. I was advised to apply Melbild solution in the day time and Imograf forte ointment at night. I am also taking tablet Patchex and Nixiyax every day. Please tell me whether I need to apply sunscreen on the surrounding dark area on the back during sun exposure. The spot is getting heavily tanned and it is more prominent. What is wrong?

Answered by Dr. Sushil Kakkar

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

If the patch is present on the exposed skin, then it is good to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen on the whole area on the patch as well as on the surrounding skin after the recommended duration of sun exposure of 15 to 20 minutes. The purpose is dual. It prevents sunburn in the vitiligo patch and also prevents tanning of the surrounding normal skin.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Is the medicine appropriate? How long to be continued? Is it good to do phototherapy for the whole body? I have a large spot on the back and a small one on my chest and abdomen. I am unable to attach the picture of my back. It is about four to six inches in size.

Answered by Dr. Sushil Kakkar

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

For a single patch of vitiligo, you can continue taking Imograf (Tacrolimus) and Deca peptide along with Patchex (multivitamin tablet) for a sufficient period of time to gain efficiency and then decide to change or modify it. Phototherapy with UVB is the safe treatment for vitiligo and it can be given for widespread vitiligo as well as for isolated patches. You can continue the current treatment for three to four months. If there is no improvement, you can use topical steroids or topical psoralen can be taken. Phototherapy with UVB (ultraviolet B) can be taken with a handheld device if the disease is limited. But there is no need to do whole body phototherapy.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sushil Kakkar
Dr. Sushil Kakkar

Dermatology

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