Many individuals with vitiligo believe that increasing the phototherapy dosage will lead to faster results. However, this is not the case. Let's delve into the truths about vitiligo phototherapy below.

Many individuals with vitiligo believe that increasing the phototherapy dosage will lead to faster results. However, this is not the case. Let's delve into the truths about vitiligo phototherapy below.

Truth 1: The Phototherapy Dose is Not "The More, The Better"

The dose for phototherapy is not about maximizing intensity; it's about finding the most suitable dose based on individual circumstances. If the dose is too high too quickly, the skin may develop severe redness, even swelling, pain, or blisters. Therefore, it is recommended to adopt a gradual approach when performing phototherapy at home. Increase the dose progressively as the treatment advances, and avoid arbitrary increases to prevent blisters and skin damage.

Truth 2: The Phototherapy Dose is Not Fixed

The dose for each phototherapy session is not constant. Whether the dose should be increased for consecutive sessions and the proportion of the increase should be determined based on the skin's reaction after each treatment.

Truth 3: Daily Phototherapy is Not Recommended

Generally, it is advised to undergo phototherapy every two or three days. Some may wonder: if phototherapy is effective, why not do it daily?

Research indicates that ultraviolet therapy has a direct cytotoxic effect on T-cells infiltrating the skin lesions, promoting T-cell apoptosis. The typical clearance time for these T-cells is about 48 hours, hence the recommendation for treatments every other day.

Numerous clinical studies show that phototherapy performed 2 or 3 times per week yields excellent results. The general recommendation is 3 times per week, with a maximum of 15 sessions per month. Most people begin to see results after approximately 30 to 60 sessions.

Truth 4: Phototherapy Results Vary from Person to Person

Each individual's specific condition is different. Even when using the same phototherapy method, the appropriate dose and treatment plan may vary for different body parts, and the time to see effects also differs individually. If your skin is more sensitive to light, you might experience redness (erythema). Conversely, if the skin is less sensitive to light—such as on the hands and feet—redness may be less frequent.

Treating white patches on the hands and feet is indeed more challenging, but it's not hopeless. Combining phototherapy with topical photosensitizing medications often yields better results. However, note that if photosensitizing drugs are used before phototherapy, the skin's sensitivity to light increases, and the irradiation dose should be appropriately reduced.

The above covers the main points discussed today. If you have further questions about phototherapy, feel free to leave a comment below for more specific answers.