How does excimer laser work for vitiligo?
The excimer laser is a highly focused beam of UVB light. Dermatologists focus the laser directly on the lightened areas of skin using a wand-like device. The UVB light may stimulate repigmentation in the skin, restoring color to white patches.
How does vitiligo treatment work?
No drug can stop the process of vitiligo — the loss of pigment cells (melanocytes). But some drugs, used alone, in combination or with light therapy, can help restore some skin tone. Drugs that control inflammation. Applying a corticosteroid cream to affected skin might return color.
What is the physiology behind vitiligo?
Vitiligo results from the destruction of epidermal melanocytes by autoreactive cytotoxic T cells. Melanocyte-specific autoimmunity in vitiligo is a result of interplay among multiple factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, melanocyte stress, and innate and adaptive immune responses.
How does vitiligo cause repigmentation?
Repigmentation of vitiligo depends on available melanocytes from three possible sources: from the hair follicle unit which is the main provider of pigment cells, from the border of vitiligo lesions, and from unaffected melanocytes within depigmented areas; pigment cells at these locations originate a perifollicular.
How long does excimer laser vitiligo last?
Notably, excimer laser treatment periods were 15 weeks or less in the overwhelming majority of the studies analyzed. Additionally, there has been some evidence that excimer laser treatment causes faster, more complete repigmentation in patients with higher Fitzpatrick skin types.
How effective is laser for vitiligo?
The 308-nm excimer laser is the most validated laser modality in vitiligo treatment. Treatment success (>75% repigmentation) was generally achieved in 15–61% of each vitiliginous patch. The most effective responses would be anticipated on the face and neck, while the hands and feet show minimal responses.
How is phototherapy done for vitiligo?
A light exposure (PUVA) and narrow band ultraviolet B rays (NBUVB) are widely used in phototherapy of vitiligo, though these are not free of drawbacks like cost and frequency of treatment, exposure to ultraviolet rays in specialized chambers in hospital or clinic setup and the uncertainty of repigmentation.
Does UVB help vitiligo?
nbUVB (Narrow-band ultraviolet light B): nbUVB is currently the most successful treatment for patients with vitiligo. It is largely safe when administered correctly, but requires a time commitment as it is most often performed in a dermatologist’s office 2-3x per week.
Can people with vitiligo get laser?
Laser therapy Treatment is delivered 1-3 times a week for an initial course of 12 weeks and can be used in combination with other modalities such as topical steroids, calcipotriene or tacrolimus. Helium neon laser therapy has been shown to be effective for segmental vitiligo.
How does tacrolimus work for vitiligo?
Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are used as topical immunomodulators. They inhibit calcineurin action, thus preventing T-cell activation and the production of various inflammatory cytokines. Both have been used to treat other inflammatory and immunologic skin disorders, including vitiligo, with encouraging results.
Can vitiligo be treated with laser?
Light treatment Light boxes are used to treat widespread vitiligo; lasers are used to treat a small area. Works best on the face; least effective on hands and feet. Effective for many patients; about 70% see results with an excimer laser. Results can disappear.
Is laser treatment good for vitiligo?
The 308-nm xenon chloride excimer laser is the most widely used laser for vitiligo, and is currently considered the treatment of choice for localized vitiligo….Mechanism of action.
| Body site | Initial dose |
|---|---|
| Persistent asymptomatic erythema over 48 hours | Decrease dose by 50 mJ/cm2 |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLCuapn-GHI