Does anyone have or know where I can find some statistical data on this treatment regarding success rate and any possible side affects. In know it s relatively new, but how new? Who is the forerunner of its use? UVB has been connected to skin cancer so I worry about the laser. What about being used near vital organs, is there a danger? I understand that it is operated by a peddle, that is a little scary to me. My friend is looking at this treatment so I'm just hoping to educate myself and help him make an informed decsion.
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I used Xtrac for 4 months twice a week. Great results on face 90% worked but hands 0%.
So the doctor recommened me UVB since i have it else where on my body.
I used UVB for 2 weeks not much change since it hasnt been that long.
Where have you heard UVB is connected to cancer?
fabian robles > trushar patelSeptember 28, 2009 at 6:09am
Please keep us posted on your UVB, i also just started on the treatment...
Thank-you for the response. It was one of the sites I was investigating, I believe the Dermotolgy Archives "the long-term risks of UVB treatment are the same as the effects of chronic sun exposure: premature skin aging and skin cancer. The exact risk of developing skin cancers from long-term exposure to UVB is unknown."
My friend has it on his face and elsewhere on his body but not his hands. The 90% is encouraging for sure.
Such a personal choice. My friend is gun-ho on the laser and is really hoping it will work on his face. Long term affects just aren't known but the skin cancer risk is a little scary. If the excimer laser got its start in laser eye surgery I'm thinking it might be the way to go; then again, the exposure for eye surgery has got to be minimal. Don't you think?
deb, the thing about UVB is, it covers the WHole body so if there are new spots coming out they can be subsided. with laser where ever the doc pokes you is the place you will be treated. anyways the cure is to pray.. keep god 1st everything else will fall into place.. jai swaminaryan :)
i looked into this laser earlier this year, I decided against it. my dr and I looked into it and i even called the clinic i would be going to if i got the treatment (Denver, CO) and they straight up told me that the success rate for repigmentating hands was VERY low. I dont remember the exact number (sorry i have a TERRIBLE memory) but i believe it was something along 2% success rate (for hands). That and it was gonna cost me over $100 per treatment, and it would have to be done ... i think it was 2-3 times a week for 6 weeks. In other words, i would've had to move temporarly to the big city, and pretty much go bankrupt. But i was mostly concerned about my hands, so it could be a different story for the rest of the body. I would also check prices cause it might cheaper where ever your located. If you do decide to do the eximer laser, please let me know how thats going for you!
It is disturbing to me that insurance isn't covering at least a part of this procedure. My friend does not have it on his hands, but on his face and torso. I'm not sure of the cost yet since he will be meeting with the clinic in October, but he also heard $100 to 200 per treatment. In southeastern Michigan we have some hospitals that are doing quite a bit with Vitiligo treatments, including a pilot program (based on European successes) with Melanocyte-Keratinocyte Cell Transplantation, which sounds like a far better alternative than actual skin grafting. I even found some information on vitamin deficiencies especially vitamin B. Alot to "think" about based on the extent of the condition.
Glad you found out some information on the success rate for the hands, sounds like that was a big part of your decision. I think he will be leaning towards trying the eximer, so yes, I will let you know how it is going. Thanks so much!
Replies
So the doctor recommened me UVB since i have it else where on my body.
I used UVB for 2 weeks not much change since it hasnt been that long.
Where have you heard UVB is connected to cancer?
Thank-you for the response. It was one of the sites I was investigating, I believe the Dermotolgy Archives "the long-term risks of UVB treatment are the same as the effects of chronic sun exposure: premature skin aging and skin cancer. The exact risk of developing skin cancers from long-term exposure to UVB is unknown."
My friend has it on his face and elsewhere on his body but not his hands. The 90% is encouraging for sure.
Glad you found out some information on the success rate for the hands, sounds like that was a big part of your decision. I think he will be leaning towards trying the eximer, so yes, I will let you know how it is going. Thanks so much!
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