I have been looking at purchasing an at home UVB light, since my insurance finds vitiligo purely cosmetic and wont support going for light treatments (ugh!).. Just wondering what the specifics are for a uvb bulb that is strong enough to re-pigment white spots. Ive heard 311nm is the strength. Any other specifics would be appreciated.
Thanks!
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Different areas take different exposure times. The goal is to get the skin in that area to turn a slight pink around 12 hours after light exposure. I recommend starting out with around 30 seconds per area and increase with each session until you find the time that works best for you. Wait about 2 to 3 days between sessions.
My spots are pretty tiny on my hands, i have 1 spot thats about the size of a dime on my foot. Since this light is pretty powerful, do you reccommend using a shield with a small hole cut in it so the light just applies to the white spot vs using the light on my entire hand? Will it make normal skin dark tan if treated?
Have you tried treating white spots using this oil: http://shop.merryclinic.com/vitiligotreatment-p/v-oil.htm Wondering if its effective?
Thank you DJ for all your help!
The size of the light is relatively small. I do not use any kind of shield. However, I do recommend wearing UV eye protection. You may notice a little tan, but nothing too noticeable. I have not tried that oil in particular, but I did just start trying Tolenorm oil.
Yes, 311nm is what you will want for stimulating new melanin. There are handheld narrowband uvb lights you can buy online for around $200 - $300. Using the light is time consuming, and you can give yourself a sunburn if you expose an area for too long. I use the light nearly every day, but break it up. One day I will do upper body areas such as my face and hands. The next day I will do lower body areas such as my knees and feet.