Vitiligo Light Treatment Side Effects

Streaks or lines in your skin striae thinning of your skin atrophy.

Vitiligo light treatment side effects.

This treatment combines a plant derived substance called psoralen with light therapy photochemotherapy to return color to the light patches. Topical tacrolimus is a relatively new treatment for vitiligo that has similar efficacy as topical steroids and few side effects that include a mild burning sensation after application and brief flushing of the skin after alcohol consumption. Side effects of topical steroids include. Psoralen plus ultraviolet a light treatment commonly called puva causes slightly more.

The possible side effects include a sunburn like reaction irritation and stinging of the skin. The gp may take photos of your vitiligo throughout your treatment to monitor any signs of improvement. Combining psoralen and light therapy. The treatment must be repeated often usually for three times a week and for at least six months.

The research shows that this therapy is safe for most people and that side effects are minimal. Psoralen can affect the eyes so this treatment requires an eye exam before and after finishing treatment. Side effects which should be discussed thoroughly with your dermatologist include itching pain and sunburn as well as increased risk of skin cancers. You may also want to take photos yourself.

To help prevent serious side effects patients are carefully monitored. Possible side effects of narrow band ultraviolet b therapy include redness itching and burning. May be an option when light therapy and medicines applied to the skin do not work. Vitiligo light therapy is a viable treatment option.

This is currently an expensive treatment that is not always covered by insurance. These side effects usually clear up within a few hours after treatment.