Vitiligo Phototherapy: How Light Treatment Works and What You Need to Know

When you have vitiligo, a skin condition where patches of skin lose pigment due to the loss of melanin-producing cells. Also known as leukoderma, it doesn’t cause pain or physical harm—but it can deeply affect how you see yourself. vitiligo phototherapy, a medical treatment that uses specific wavelengths of ultraviolet light to stimulate pigment cells. It’s one of the most common and studied ways to bring color back to affected areas. This isn’t tanning. It’s not sunlight. It’s a precise, controlled medical process, usually done in clinics or with at-home devices under a doctor’s guidance.

There are two main types of vitiligo phototherapy you’ll hear about: narrowband UVB, a targeted form of ultraviolet B light that’s safer and more effective than older methods, and PUVA therapy, a combo of a light-sensitizing drug called psoralen and UVA light. Narrowband UVB is now the first choice for most people because it doesn’t require taking pills, has fewer long-term risks, and works well for large areas. PUVA can be more powerful but carries a higher chance of sunburn, nausea, and increased skin cancer risk over time. Neither works for everyone. Some see 50% or more color return after 6–12 months. Others see little change. Success often depends on how long you’ve had vitiligo, where the patches are, and your skin type.

It’s not a quick fix. Treatments usually happen two to three times a week for months. You won’t see results in a week. Most people start noticing small spots of color returning after 2–3 months. The face and neck respond best. Hands and feet? Much harder. You’ll need to protect unaffected skin with sunscreen, wear UV-blocking goggles, and avoid extra sun exposure. Some doctors combine phototherapy with topical creams like tacrolimus or corticosteroids to boost results. It’s not magic—but it’s one of the few treatments with solid, repeatable science behind it.

If you’re considering phototherapy, talk to a dermatologist who’s done this before—not just any clinic. Ask how many vitiligo patients they treat monthly. Ask about their success rates. Ask what happens if it doesn’t work. You’re not just buying a treatment—you’re investing time, consistency, and trust in a process that takes patience. The posts below cover real experiences, safety tips, device comparisons, and what to do if your skin reacts badly. No fluff. Just what works—and what doesn’t.