Vitiligo Light & Laser TherapiesThere are a number of treatments available that can re-pigment vitiligo patches. Some people with vitiligo often ignore it as being just a cosmetic defect while others are extremely conscious about its treatment. Light and laser therapies are the main means of restoring loss of pigment.

PUVA (Psoralen Ultraviolet type A) therapy and narrow band UVB (Ultraviolet type B) therapy are the most effective vitiligo light therapies.

PUVA therapy is a combination of psoralen and ultraviolet A light (wavelength = 400 – 315 nm). Psoralen is used to sensitize skin. After using psoralen skin is exposed to UVA light. This stimulates formations of new pigment cells. Long term use of this therapy should be avoided as it may lead to skin cancer.

UVB narrowband light therapy (wavelength = 315 – 280 nm) is a very common approach to re-pigment vitiligo patches. This treatment has shown remarkable re-pigmentation results. UVB narrowband lamps are also available which can be used at home without the hassle of going to hospitals special treatment sessions.

Vitiligo laser therapy is used as an alternative to UVA or UVB therapy and this therapy reduces the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Recently, 308 nanometer excimer laser has shown good results in treating vitiligo. Research has proved that laser therapy works more efficiently when used as a combination with tacrolimus ointment.