Vitiligo

Vitiligo

Vitiligo Treatment at Aura Laser and Cosmetic Clinic

At Aura Laser and Cosmetic Clinic, we understand the impact of vitiligo on the lives of our patients. We offer a range of effective treatments to address this condition, tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Vitiligo treatment at our clinic is based on the type of vitiligo, the extent and location of the lesions, and the expertise of our skilled dermatologists. In some cases, multiple procedures may be required to achieve the desired results.

Understanding Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a genetic skin disorder characterised by the development of white patches on the skin. It can manifest at any stage of life and is a progressive condition. While the exact cause of vitiligo is still unknown, it is not typically an inherited disease. Most individuals with vitiligo do not have a family history of the condition. However, having a family member with vitiligo may slightly increase the risk of developing it.

Research suggests that vitiligo is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own skin cells, leading to the loss of pigmentation in affected areas. While vitiligo is neither contagious nor life-threatening, it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, leading to issues such as low self-esteem and psychological distress due to social stigma.

Treatment Options

We offer a range of treatment options to help manage vitiligo and improve the appearance of the affected skin. These include:

Surgical Interventions

In some cases, surgical interventions may be recommended for vitiligo patients, especially for resistant areas and residual lesions. The choice of surgical treatment depends on the specific circumstances and can include grafting and non-grafting techniques. Grafting techniques encompass both tissue grafts and modern cellular methods.

Our experienced dermatological team will assess your individual case and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan to achieve the best results for your vitiligo.

Vitiligo Full Body Treatment with NB-UVB Phototherapy

NB-UVB phototherapy is a cutting-edge treatment for vitiligo. This therapy utilises a specific wavelength of Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation produced by an excimer laser. The primary goal of NB-UVB phototherapy is to stimulate the repigmentation of the skin, ultimately restoring the natural skin colour.

Treatment Efficacy

The effectiveness of NB-UVB phototherapy can vary depending on several factors, including the body part affected by vitiligo lesions. It is important to note that results tend to be more impressive in areas of the body that are more sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Here’s a general overview of treatment efficacy:

Advantages of NB-UVB over PUVA Therapy

Comparatively, NB-UVB phototherapy offers several advantages over PUVA (Psoralen and Ultraviolet A) therapy, which involves taking psoralen pills and exposure to Ultraviolet A light. Here’s why NB-UVB is often preferred:

Preparation for NB-UVB Treatment

Before embarking on NB-UVB treatment, it’s important to follow these instructions:

Excimer

At Aura Laser and Cosmetic Clinic, we utilise the EX-308 excimer laser to effectively treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and alopecia areata. This advanced laser technology creates a concentrated yet painless beam of ultraviolet light, precisely delivered to the affected areas through a specialised handpiece. By targeting only active lesions and minimising exposure to healthy skin, the laser delivers high-dose treatment, leading to rapid clearing and long-lasting remission.

Our excimer laser is particularly suitable for the treatment of the following skin conditions:

  • Psoriasis: Mild to moderate cases involving less than 10% of the body surface.
  • Vitiligo: Effective for repigmentation of affected areas.
  • Alopecia Areata: Especially effective in treating scalp and stubborn lesions.

Thanks to the laser’s precision and the flexibility of its adjustable spot size handpiece, we can effectively target even the most challenging areas, including knees, elbows, and the scalp. This makes excimer laser therapy an excellent option for patients who have not responded to other treatments.

Compared to traditional topical creams and gels, excimer laser treatment offers several distinct advantages:

  • Minimal Maintenance: Unlike daily topical applications, laser therapy doesn’t require ongoing daily maintenance. Many patients experience long-lasting remission after completing their recommended treatment sessions.

The excimer laser is known for its safety profile, with fewer side effects compared to other common treatments for psoriasis, vitiligo, and alopecia areata. Since the laser therapy is highly targeted, exposure is limited exclusively to affected areas, minimising the risk to healthy skin.

Excimer laser treatments are performed in the comfort of your doctor’s clinic. Your dermatologist will determine the appropriate dosage for your condition and then administer the laser therapy. Most sessions are quick, typically taking only a few minutes

The majority of patients undergoing excimer laser treatment report no pain or discomfort. Some individuals may experience mild and brief warmth following the procedure. However, no anaesthesia is required during the treatment, and any discomfort is generally well tolerated.

The number of treatment sessions required will be tailored to your unique needs, considering factors such as the extent, thickness, and location of the affected areas. In some cases, significant improvement may be observed in as few as 10 sessions for psoriasis or alopecia and 20 sessions for vitiligo. If there is no response after the recommended sessions, further treatment options will be discussed.

Preparation for excimer laser therapy is straightforward. Ensure that the skin area to be treated is clean, dry, and free of any makeup, lotions, or creams containing SPF protection.

The side effects of excimer laser therapy are generally minimal, with most patients reporting no adverse effects. Occasionally, some individuals may experience mild and transient redness in the treated areas. Severe side effects such as blistering and hyperpigmentation are rare and short-lived.

For personalized consultations and to start your journey to healthier skin, please contact our clinic and schedule an appointment.