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Can UV Lamp Or Tubes Be Used For Treatment Of Vitiligo?
Question: It is suggested that after applying the melgain lotion after 9 hrs must be exposed to ultra violet rays..my mother has this condition and and we are planning to buy a UV LAmp..please suggest how to choose a proper one for skin
Brief Answer:
Addition of Vit E will help.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.
I understand your concern.
Systemic phototherapy induces cosmetically satisfactory repigmentation in up to 70% of patients with Vitiligo with an early or localized disease. UV lamp or tubes with following characteristics should be chosen.
Narrow-band UV-B phototherapy is widely used and produces good clinical results.
Narrow-band fluorescent tubes (Philips TL-01/100W) with an emission spectrum of 310-315 nm and a maximum wavelength of 311 nm should be used.
Treatment frequency is 2-3 times weekly, but never on consecutive days.
Short-term adverse effects include pruritus and xerosis.
The addition of oral capsules of vitamin E may represent a valuable adjuvant therapy, preventing lipid peroxidation in the cellular membrane of melanocytes and increasing the effectiveness of narrow-band UV therapy.
Also, topical application of Vit D analog Calcipotriene will also offer excellent results.
Hence, Consult your doctor for an addition of Vit E capsules and Calcipotriene.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Addition of Vit E will help.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.
I understand your concern.
Systemic phototherapy induces cosmetically satisfactory repigmentation in up to 70% of patients with Vitiligo with an early or localized disease. UV lamp or tubes with following characteristics should be chosen.
Narrow-band UV-B phototherapy is widely used and produces good clinical results.
Narrow-band fluorescent tubes (Philips TL-01/100W) with an emission spectrum of 310-315 nm and a maximum wavelength of 311 nm should be used.
Treatment frequency is 2-3 times weekly, but never on consecutive days.
Short-term adverse effects include pruritus and xerosis.
The addition of oral capsules of vitamin E may represent a valuable adjuvant therapy, preventing lipid peroxidation in the cellular membrane of melanocytes and increasing the effectiveness of narrow-band UV therapy.
Also, topical application of Vit D analog Calcipotriene will also offer excellent results.
Hence, Consult your doctor for an addition of Vit E capsules and Calcipotriene.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
thanks for your advice doctor so you mean no need to expose to the rays daily and is it must that the medicine should be left on the patches for 9 hours and what is the duration of exposure for best results
Brief Answer:
6-12 months can be the treatment duration.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam,
Welcome again.
Normally it is recommended to apply the lotion once per day.It can be applied for a minimum of 1 hour to 9-10 hours(duration is not fixed).The length of time for which it should be used will vary, depending on the results of treatment.
Re-pigmentation on the edges of the white patches is normally visible after 3 to 6 months, and in successful cases, full recovery of skin pigmentation may occur after 1 year of use.
Thank you.
6-12 months can be the treatment duration.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam,
Welcome again.
Normally it is recommended to apply the lotion once per day.It can be applied for a minimum of 1 hour to 9-10 hours(duration is not fixed).The length of time for which it should be used will vary, depending on the results of treatment.
Re-pigmentation on the edges of the white patches is normally visible after 3 to 6 months, and in successful cases, full recovery of skin pigmentation may occur after 1 year of use.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thanks Doctor ,
I meant the duration of exposing to rays in a day like how many minutes in a day and you mentioned earlier that not advisable on consecutive days so is it enough to expose only 3 days a week at present my mom applies in the night and in the morning she stands in the sun for 5 min daily.. So please explain
I meant the duration of exposing to rays in a day like how many minutes in a day and you mentioned earlier that not advisable on consecutive days so is it enough to expose only 3 days a week at present my mom applies in the night and in the morning she stands in the sun for 5 min daily.. So please explain
Brief Answer:
Relative time duration is provided.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.
I understand your concern.
Yes, it is enough.2-3 days/ week.
1.TIME OF EXPOSURE:
From Weeks 1 to 4.
Expose the areas to be treated for 2 minutes, three times a week.
After week four ,the exposure time can be increased to 3 minutes, three times a week
2.Distance:
Start by holding the lamp 7-10 inches from the affected areas.
Each week move the lamp one inch closer, until it is two inches from the affected area.
The treatment for these conditions takes a period of time, so be patient.
Exposure to sunlight -Sunlight in moderation (15 minutes a day 3 days a week) can help build up the vitamin D level and support the immune system, while also stimulating pigment cells.
Hope I have answered your query.
Thank you.
Relative time duration is provided.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.
I understand your concern.
Yes, it is enough.2-3 days/ week.
1.TIME OF EXPOSURE:
From Weeks 1 to 4.
Expose the areas to be treated for 2 minutes, three times a week.
After week four ,the exposure time can be increased to 3 minutes, three times a week
2.Distance:
Start by holding the lamp 7-10 inches from the affected areas.
Each week move the lamp one inch closer, until it is two inches from the affected area.
The treatment for these conditions takes a period of time, so be patient.
Exposure to sunlight -Sunlight in moderation (15 minutes a day 3 days a week) can help build up the vitamin D level and support the immune system, while also stimulating pigment cells.
Hope I have answered your query.
Thank you.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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