What is vitiligo?
Vitiligo affects 1 to 2 percent of the world’s population including approximately 2 to 5 million Americans. Vitiligo is characterized by the appearance of white patches of skin on different parts of the body as a result of the destruction of melanocytes. This may affect one or two white spots on the skin to large areas of depigmentation. Vitiligo is not contagious. In some cases, although not for everyone, the depigmentation is progressive.
Patients of all ages and ethnic backgrounds can be treated with the Excimer laser. The laser is ideal for localized areas including the face, neck, and body. This targeted therapy can treat stubborn patches, even those that have not responded to other treatments. Excimer lasers have made a tremendous difference in our vitiligo patients’ lives. It allows them to precisely target only the white patches and the healthy skin is spared.
Topical creams can be helpful together with the laser treatment, as well. You must protect your skin from the sun. You can easily get sunburned, and a bad sunburn can worsen vitiligo. Avoid tanning beds. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, even on a cloudy day, also after swimming or sweating.
The EX-308 excimer laser creates a concentrated, but painless, beam of ultraviolet light that is delivered to vitiligo patches through a handpiece. By targeting only active lesions and limiting exposure to healthy skin, the laser delivers high-dose treatment for fast clearing and long remission. Book your personal consultation online or call Dr. Ghatan Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery today to find out the best treatments for your vitiligo.
The Pharos EX-308 Excimer Laser was developed to treat vitiligo
Convenient: Treatments are painless and take only a few minutes, twice a week, for a few weeks.
How do Excimer Lasers work?
The EX-308 excimer laser creates a concentrated, but painless, beam of ultraviolet light that is delivered to vitiligo patches through a handpiece. By targeting only active lesions and limiting exposure to healthy skin, the laser delivers high-dose treatment for fast clearing and long remission. Patients come in twice each week for an average of 6 weeks, and each quick treatment session that usually takes only a few minutes. Patients usually enjoy several months of treatment-free remission.
Who is a candidate for treatment?
Vitiligo affects 1 to 2 percent of the world’s population including approximately 2 to 5 million Americans. Notably some famous Americans, Michael Jackson, and Winnie Harlow. Vitiligo is characterized by the appearance of white patches of skin on different parts of the body as a result of the destruction of melanocytes. This may affect one or two white spots on the skin to large areas of depigmentation. Vitiligo is not contagious. In some cases, although not for everyone, the depigmentation is progressive.
Patients of all ages and ethnic backgrounds can be treated with the Excimer laser. The laser is ideal for localized areas including the face, neck, and body. This targeted therapy can treat stubborn patches, even those that have not responded to other treatments. Excimer laser has made a tremendous difference in our vitiligo patients’ lives. It allows to precisely target only the white patches and the healthy skin is spared.
How does treatment compare with other vitiligo treatments?
Unlike most treatments that have low efficacy or significant side effects, the laser can repigment with a small number of treatments in a relatively short period of time with minimal side effects. Compared to UVB booths and PUVA that may take 6 months to 1 year of sessions, some excimer laser patients achieve repigmentation in 30 or fewer sessions. Treatments are fast and no pharmaceuticals are needed.
How safe is the treatment?
The laser may have fewer shortcomings than many common treatments. Due to the targeted nature of laser therapy, the healthy skin’s exposure is limited.
What can I expect during treatment?
Treatment will take place in our office. Most treatments take only a few minutes.
Does treatment hurt?
Most patients experience no pain or discomfort. A few patients may feel slight warmth shortly after treatment. This warmth is mild and short-lived. No anesthesia is needed.
Are there side effects?
The side effects of laser therapy are minimal. Most patients report no side effects. A few patients have reported a mild and short-lived redness at the lesion site. More serious side effects such as blistering and hyper-pigmentation are rare and short-lived.
Are laser treatments covered by insurance?
Insurance companies have recognized the efficacy and safety of excimer laser treatments and now reimburse for these treatments. However, coverage levels will vary by plan. Our billing staff will determine your insurance coverage.
The following supplements are helpful to use in conjunction with the laser therapy:
Multivitamin containing: Zinc, Copper, Vitamin E, Lysine, Cysteine, Pantothenic acid,
Alpha Lipoic acid 300 mg B12 1000 mcg, Folic Acid 2 mg
Vitamin D3 3500IU Vitamin C 1000 mg Polypodium Leucotomos
