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Vitiligo & Psoriasis

Targeted ultraviolet light that calms overactive immune responses.

Target (chromophore)
Immune cells (UVB)
Lasers used
Excimer laser (308 nm UVB)
Main effect
Photochemical / photobiological
Typical course
2–3 per week for several weeks
Recovery time
None

1 What is the problem?

Vitiligo is loss of skin colour because the immune system attacks melanocytes. Psoriasis is thick, scaly plaques caused by an overactive immune response and fast skin-cell turnover.

2 The science

The 308 nm excimer laser gives concentrated UVB light only to affected patches. UVB suppresses overactive T-cells (helping psoriasis) and stimulates remaining melanocytes to multiply and re-pigment (helping vitiligo) — without exposing healthy skin.

Laser lightExcimer laser (308 nm UVB)
Absorbed byImmune cells (UVB)
CausesPhotochemical / photobiological

3 Key points to remember

  • It is a UV laser — no heating of a target
  • Only diseased patches are treated
  • Works best on face and neck for vitiligo
  • Needs many short sessions

4 What happens during treatment

  1. 01

    Patches are measured

  2. 02

    A starting dose is chosen based on skin type

  3. 03

    Hand-piece treats each patch for seconds

  4. 04

    Dose is adjusted each visit

5 Possible risks

Redness, blistering, and tanning of surrounding skin. Correct settings, skin cooling and experienced hands reduce these risks.

Did you know? “Excimer” comes from “excited dimer” — a molecule that exists only in an excited state.