Some patients believe that lasers and UVB chambers are the end-all be-all answer to regimentation. But after 25 years in the game, Dr. Dhawan firmly believes that these treatment modalities only show results in white spot affected areas that have black hair follicles that are yet to turn white due to vitiligo. Clinical studies have …
Some patients believe that lasers and UVB chambers are the end-all be-all answer to regimentation. But after 25 years in the game, Dr. Dhawan firmly believes that these treatment modalities only show results in white spot affected areas that have black hair follicles that are yet to turn white due to vitiligo.
Clinical studies have shown that excimer laser is 5-10% more efficacious than narrow band UVB but the main drawback is the cost associated with it. A typical session of excimer laser costs around 20,000 to 30,000. A normal narrow band session costs the patient around 400 INR/session depending on the location and type of dermatology practice.
Narrow band UVB laser were originally created for countries that do not receive much sun throughout the year such as American and European countries. In our country we get adequate ultra violet (UV) light. Kayakalp Global has developed and refined the use of external application which when combined with sunlight gives more efficacious results as compared to narrow band UVB and Excimer lasers. For the patients, this is more convenient as they don’t have to go to a hospital or dermatology center for multiple seating’s of Narrow band UVB laser. Many studies have also shown that long term use of PUVA and or narrow band can cause skin cancer, therefore traditional Ayurvedic formulations with sun exposure has been found to be much safer for longer duration of use owing to the herbal nature of Ayurveda and the fact that Ayurvedic medicines are free from side effects. In majority of the cases, results can be achieved without steroidal applications. Another great advantage of combing ayurvedic medicines available at Kayakalp global skin with sun exposure is the cost effectiveness of treatment.
Leucoderma specialist in Delhi NCR, Dr Dhawan, believes that Integrated internal treatment prevents the disease from spreading and external application along with sun exposure works towards multiplication of melanocytes and colour formation.
Finally, depending on your location, if you live in areas where sun exposure is limited or not adequate Kayakalp’s integrated treatment plan along with PUVA light works wonders however, if you live in areas where you have access to ample sun exposure then you do not need to waste your hard-earned money on UVB chambers or PUVA lamps.
Deciding what treatment route to go for is an expert decision and needs to be judged by a vitiligo Specialist in delhi ncr.
FAQs
What is the difference between PUVA and UVB?
While both UVB (Ultraviolet B) and PUVA (Psoralen + UVA) are used to cure vitiligo, they differ significantly:
- PUVA therapy: This involves either orally or topically administering the photosensitizing medication psoralen to boost the skin’s sensitivity to UVA rays. After that, the patient is exposed to UVA rays in a safe setting. PUVA is successful for repigmentation but comes with a higher expense and risk, including increased sensitivity to sunlight and possible long-term adverse effects such as skin aging and an increased chance of developing skin cancer.
- UVB Therapy: Because narrowband UVB is more effective and has fewer side effects, it is more targeted and often utilized. UVB treatment is often less expensive and seen as safer than PUVA. Originally designed for countries with little sunshine, such as the US and Europe, narrowband UVB might be less necessary in places with plenty of sunlight.
What is the difference between phototherapy and excimer laser?
Vitiligo can be treated with both phototherapy and excimer lasers, but they work in distinct ways:
- Phototherapy: This refers to procedures such as UVB therapy, which uses UV radiation to promote repigmentation. Phototherapy is helpful, but it needs numerous sessions over time and can occasionally have adverse effects such as skin irritation or a higher likelihood of skin cancer with prolonged use.
- Excimer Laser: Known for its accuracy, this laser uses intense UVB radiation to target particular locations. Clinical research indicates that excimer laser treatment for vitiligo is 5–10% more successful than narrowband UVB treatment. Nevertheless, the cost is much higher—sessions range from 20,000 to 30,000 INR. Excimer laser therapy is helpful for small regions, but because of its expense and accessibility concerns, it might not be appropriate for extensive vitiligo.
Is narrowband UVB safe for vitiligo?
When compared to alternative treatments like PUVA, narrowband UVB is generally thought to be safe for treating vitiligo. On the other hand, prolonged usage may provide hazards like skin irritation or a higher chance of developing skin cancer. As evidenced by Kayakalp Global’s integrated approach, combining narrowband UVB with sun exposure can be a safer and more economical option for patients who live in places with enough natural sunshine.
What is the success rate of an excimer laser?
The efficiency of excimer laser therapy is typically stated to be 5–10% higher than that of narrowband UVB. It is a beneficial alternative for people with localized vitiligo areas that have not yet turned white due to its increased effectiveness. Despite its efficacy, some patients may find excimer laser treatment less accessible due to its expensive cost (20,000 to 30,000 INR each session).
What type of laser is most effective for vitiligo treatment?
The excimer laser is often regarded as the most effective form of laser for vitiligo therapy due to its capacity to deliver high-intensity UVB radiation precisely to afflicted regions. However, the expense and feasibility of excimer laser therapy may make it less desirable for patients with extensive vitiligo or those living in areas with plenty of sunshine when compared to more accessible choices like narrowband UVB paired with natural sunlight exposures.
What are the risks of excimer laser?
Despite its effectiveness, the excimer laser has some drawbacks. Among them are:
- Many patients may find it prohibitive to attend the costly sessions, which cost between INR 20,000 and INR 30,000 each.
- Risks include the possibility of long-term skin damage if improperly handled, as well as skin irritation.
- The excimer laser is less effective for extensive vitiligo and is better suited for localized areas.
By combining exterior treatments with sun exposure, Kayakalp Global provides a solution that may be more affordable and secure for long-term usage. This method reduces the risks related to costly and perhaps damaging therapies.
