Here’s a challenge to all of you dermatologists out there to consider studying the effects of UVB Narrowband, not only for treating Vitiligo but also the effect of UVB Narrowband on Vitamin D levels. An Irish research team did this and found that that the average patient undergoing UVB light therapy more than doubled their blood levels of vitamin D by the end of the treatment period, which most completed in about 50 days. All of them reached vitamin D sufficient levels, the researchers report in the Archives of Dermatology.
For many people with Vitiligo patience is a necessity.
There are not enough dermatologists here in the USA. The AAD (American Academy of Dermatology) does influence our universities and from what I’m told recommends maximums for number of med students in dermatology in each school, thereby limiting the number of derms and maximizing the salaries/incomes for the ones lucky enough to graduate.
A side effect of this is patients need patience while they are waiting for their first and possibly subsequent appointments. Over the years, I have spoken with hundreds and hundreds of folks who are waiting sometimes up to three or more months before they can get into see a dermatologist. Many times, once they get there they are often told that it’s only a cosmetic condition and not much can be done. Why a derm would say such a thing is beyond me. This is a disease that can play with the mind and can cause a loss of self esteem with many people. Not everyone with Vitiligo is comfortable in public with Vitiligo.
I also believe that many dermatologists shy away from treating Vitiligo because the treatments typically take months before the white areas begin to re-pigment and they and their patients become discouraged. Diseases, such as Psoriasis, Eczema and some others respond within a few days of the initiation of treatment giving immediate hope to the patient. With Protopic, Elidel and UVB Narrowband (UVB311) It’s unlikely that re-pigmentation will begin in less than 3 months and the progress of re-pigmentation can be slow. The only ‘instant’ remedy is the use of make-up or skin dyes to mask the white areas. On hot summer days, perspiration can be an issue causing the makeup to transfer to the nice white shirt or blouse you put on a few minutes ago.
The treatment of Vitiligo takes time and I’m afraid that the patient does need to be patient.
These studies show that UVB Narrowband is a safe and effective treatment for skin challenges.
Indications are that UVB Narrowband is an effective and safe treatment for Vitiligo, Psoriasis and other skin challenges. There are two retrospective studies that I have found that show that UVB Narrowband is a very safe treatment. That’s not to say that there is no risk, these studies show that the risk may be minimal. The decision to choose UV treatment is a medical decison between you and your doctor. (Read our disclaimer Click Here)
Abstract
Background
UVB phototherapy is a common treatment modality for psoriasis and other skin diseases. Although UVB has been in use for many decades, many clinicians are hesitant to use this type of phototherapy because of concern over increasing the skin cancer risk. Over the past 20 years, numerous studies have been published examining this issue, but a consensus or analysis of the skin cancer risk is required for the dermatologist to make an educated risk–benefit analysis.
Objective
To assess the risk of skin cancer associated with UVB phototherapy.
Methods
All prospective or retrospective studies were identified in MEDLINE from 1966 to June 2002. Bibliographies were searched to identify any additional studies examining this issue. All studies that attempted to quantify or qualify any additional skin cancer risk from UVB phototherapy were included. Study selection was performed by two independent reviewers. Results Eleven studies (10 of which concerned psoriasis patients), involving approximately 3400 participants, were included. Of note, three of the studies involved the same cohort: members of the 16-center US Psoralen plus UVA (PUVA) Follow-up Study. Other than the most recent Finnish study, all studies eventually showed no increased skin cancer risk with UVB phototherapy.One of the PUVA cohort studies examined genital skin cancers, and found an increased rate of genital tumors associated with UVB phototherapy, although this study has not been duplicated.
Conclusion
The evidence suggests that UVB phototherapy remains a very safe treatment modality Read entire paper <Click Here>
Pseudocatalase cream was identified and created by Dr. Karin U Schallreuter in Germany. There are many success stories (published by Dr. Schallreuter) of individuals who have traveled to Greifswald Germany and have been treated by Dr. Schallreuter in her clinic.
Here in the USA, a team at Northwestern University (Chicago) reverse engineered drug created by Dr. Schallreuter and it is now available here in the USA from some compounding pharmacies. There is one on line at www.pseudocatalase.com and you may find others in your city or town.
This study proves that NBUVB therapy is an effective and safe tool in the management of vitiligo, with good stability of repigmentation and cosmetic appearance.
TITLE: Evaluation of narrow-band UVB phototherapy in 150 patients with vitiligo
AUTHORS: Y Hari Kishan Kumar1, G Raghu Rama Rao1, K.V.T Gopal, G Shanti, K Veerabhadra Rao
Background: Very few studies have been performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of narrow-band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) therapy in Indian patients with vitiligo and are of small sample size.
Aims: The purpose of this study is to know the efficacy and safety of NBUVB in 150 vitiligo patients of various age groups. Continue reading →
The three diseases that we see UVB NB prescribed for most often are Eczema, Psoriasis and Vitiligo. People being treated with UVB NB for Eczema and Psoriasis typically see results very quickly while those with Vitiligo have a tougher row to hoe.
With Vitiligo, we typically see re-pigmentation begin after forty to sixty treatments, remember with treatments usually ocurring three times a week we’re looking at 12 to 20 weeks before re-pigmentation begins.
The following applies to Elidel (Pimecrolimus Topical), Protopic (Tacrolimus Topical) and some Corticosteroids prescribed for skin challenges.
A question that comes up quite often is “Should I use Protopic?” or perhaps “Should I use Elidel?” and then the question continues “… while using UVB Narrow Band?”.
Generally speaking, any drug or cream should be avoided and not be applied immediately before or during UVB Narrow Band treatment.Continue reading →
A continuing challenge for sellers of ultraviolet phototherapy products are the insurance companies we have to deal with on a daily basis. One thing for sure is that the insurance companies are there to make money and not help their customers. It is really sad that our customers have to go through hell and back to get anything from virtually any insurance company. Organizations like MEDICARE, AETNA and CIGNA simply do not cover ultraviolet phototherapy for Vitiligo period for home phototherapy.
When you see insurance ads that say “total peace of mind for reasonable premiums’, you are reading total horse sh*t. Continue reading →
The article below relates to Psoriasis. I believe that similar results would be found if this or a similar study were done with patients with Vitiligo. My suspicion would be that the results if the the study were done for Vitiligo would show that there would be a higher acceptance. Vitiligo does require a longer treatment regimen over many months and seldom do Vitiligo patients see any results in fewer than 40 to 60 treatments. (three to five months) and visiting a clinic every 2 days with no results showing and spending time in the car, money from your bank account tends to discourage folks. Vitiligo patients really do save significant money and time with home phototherapy. Continue reading →
Recently, I received an email from Lori Mitchell whose daughter April Mitchell has had Vitiligo for many years. April’s one of the many people with Vitiligo who have come to grips with the challenge and embraced it. April and Lori have created a YouTube video that is really amazing.
Take a look!
Cheryl and I have met April and Lori at several Vitiligo conferences over the years. Lori has written a book called “DIFFERENT -- Just Like Me”
April and Lori are remakable people in an ever changing world.
Here’s a challenge to all of you dermatologists out there to consider studying the effects of UVB Narrowband, not only for treating Vitiligo but also the effect of UVB Narrowband on Vitamin D levels. An Irish research team did this and found that that the average patient undergoing UVB light therapy more than doubled their blood levels of vitamin D by the end of the treatment period, which most completed in about 50 days. All of them reached vitamin D sufficient levels, the researchers report in the Archives of Dermatology.
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