It is noted that UVA possesses a l.ong wavelength than UVB. For the commercial tanning salons, UVA is quite used. For the The difference between UVA and UVB, UVA is quite ineffective unless the doctors also treat the patients with photosensitizing treatment like psoralen. The combination, which is often in use, of psoralen and UVA light is termed as PUVA that stands for Psoralen and UVA light. Since UVB is more effective than UVA, doctors widely use it.
Is PUVA Called the Form of Repigmentation Therapy?
PUVA is undoubtedly a form of repigmentation treatment. It is seen that Psoralen itself possesses no therapeutic benefit rather it is a plant extract. The Psoralen drugs are the ones that enhance the energy from UVA light. They are taken in the pill forms or applied on the skin topically. Psoralen then makes interactions with UVA and amplifies its effect.
The Use of PUVA
The treatments of PUVA happen normally at doctor’s clinic since the physician
knows it aptly how much time has to elapse between the patient taking the pill or applying psoralen topically and then making the exposure of lesions to UVA light. PUVA treatments can be merged with other therapies. It is recommended to give PUVA treatments two to three times a week.
The Effectiveness of PUVA
It is seen and called that the topical or systemic PUVA therapies are called the well-established treatments for the non-segmental vitiligo. When this treatment with PUVA is done, there emerge more than fifty percent chances of the return of the normal color to the skin in particular on the face, trunk, upper arms and upper legs. It is seen that the feet and the hands respond much poorly.
The Effectiveness of UVB
The researches show that the oral PUVA, narrowband UVB and broadband UVB happen to be much equivalent to success rate. Since there are side effects in using PUVA and broadband UVB, it is witnessed that the narrowband UVB is quickly becoming and emerging as the first choice treatment for phototherapy. This therapy is used for treating the patients who have moderate severe vitiligo or generalized vitiligo.
The Side-Effects of UVB
When UVB is used, it lets the skin with itching and red and it gets redder when it exposes to UVB light. It also causes the premature skin aging and skin cancer.
Managing Vitiligo with Cosmetic Camouflage
It is a good idea and workable to disguise the vitiligo with the use of make-up, self tanning compounds or dyes. This all is safe and appears to be an easy way to turn vitiligo lesions lesser noticeable on the skin. There are waterproof cosmetics available in the market to match all skin types and colors.
Depigmentation Therapy
Depigmenation therapy is that when the remaining pigments in the body are removed from the normal skin and the whole body gets the even color. This therapy is targeted for those who have extensive vitiligo.
People With Vitiligo