Excimer Laser for Vitiligo – UVTREAT

Excimer laser targets vitiligo areas by directing a high intensity UVB light dose at a specific wavelength (308 nm) through a hand-piece to the skin. The excimer laser uses UVB light to potentially activate melanocytes that could be located deep within the skin.

What is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigment or color. This happens when melanocytes – skin cells that make pigment – are attacked and destroyed, causing the skin to turn a milky-white color.

Excimer Laser Vitiligo Therapy

The goal of therapy is to administer a dosage that causes noticeable redness in the affected areas of vitiligo without causing a blister or burn.
In the beginning, it is advised for the majority of patients to undergo treatment two to three times weekly, ensuring a minimum 48-hour gap between each session.

In the beginning, the initial treatments typically last for just a few minutes. The duration of exposure is slowly increased in order to achieve a slight pinkish color on the skin. The amount of laser light will be decided by your provider. While the process is being done, you will receive dark goggles for the purpose of shielding your eyes.

A 2018 study states that the excimer laser is safe and effective in treating localized vitiligo. Combining this laser with topical agents, such as tacrolimus or tacalcitol, may provide better repigmentation results.

A 2019 retrospective study suggests that the 308nm excimer laser does not increase the risk of skin cancer and premalignant skin lesions in people with vitiligo.

Rare adverse reactions to excimer laser treatment are not common.

Laser therapy is mostly safe, although certain individuals have experienced side effects such as temporary redness, itching, burning, stinging, blistering, skin darkening/lightening, and scarring following treatment. Moderate burns typically peak around 8 hours post-treatment and gradually diminish within the following days.

Severe blistering or burning is uncommon when treatment is correctly applied, but still possible.

Because the laser light does not come into contact with the skin around it, the chances of exposure to UV radiation are minimized. Too much sun exposure can lead to early skin aging and possibly raise the chances of developing skin cancer.

Inform your healthcare provider if you begin taking new medications that may increase skin sensitivity to UVB rays.

UVTREAT Excimer Laser 308 nm For Clinic and Home Use