Vitiligo cannot be cured in the strict sense. With treatments such as the excimer laser, however, repigmentation can be stimulated in suitable areas. Success differs from person to person.

How many sessions are needed?

As a rule many sessions over a longer period are required. Repigmentation builds up slowly and differs from person to person.

Does health insurance cover the costs?

The treatment is as a rule a self-pay or IGeL service. Private insurers often cover the costs. We clarify the framework with you beforehand.

Vitiligo (white spot disease)

Vitiligo means a circumscribed loss of skin pigmentation. We treat affected areas with targeted irradiation, among other things with the excimer laser.

Overview

In vitiligo (white spot disease) the skin loses its pigmentation in individual areas because the pigment-forming cells (melanocytes) are lost. Sharply demarcated white patches develop. The condition often has an autoimmune process behind it.

The excimer laser can be used to treat circumscribed areas. It delivers monochromatic UV light of wavelength 308 nm to the affected patches only and spares the healthy skin. The aim is to stimulate repigmentation.

Areas of application

Circumscribed vitiligo areas
Vitiligo on the face and in other regions that respond well
Alongside further medically recommended measures

Procedure

Examination and consultation
We assess the extent and the location of the affected areas and discuss with you the treatment options and their limits.
Targeted excimer treatment (308 nm)
The UV light reaches only the depigmented patches. Because it is applied so precisely, higher and effective doses are possible without putting unnecessary strain on the healthy skin.
Repeated sessions
The treatment runs over several sessions. Repigmentation builds up slowly and differs from person to person; topical therapies alongside it can make sense.

What to expect

Vitiligo as a rule needs many sessions over a longer period.
Repigmentation develops slowly and differs greatly from person to person; areas on the face usually respond better than the hands and feet, for example.
In the treated areas a temporary, mild sunburn-like reaction can occur.
Success of the treatment cannot be guaranteed.

Risks & notes

Redness and a sunburn-like reaction in the treated area are possible for a time.
A temporary tanning of the surrounding skin can occur and usually recedes once the therapy has ended.
Since this is a UV treatment, blistering can occur if the dose is too high; with cumulatively high UV doses, a slightly increased long-term risk of skin cancer cannot be entirely ruled out, as with any UV therapy. The dose is therefore controlled and limited by the doctor; we discuss your individual risk with you.
The treatment is as a rule a self-pay or IGeL service; private insurers often cover the costs.

Frequently asked questions

Is vitiligo curable?: Vitiligo cannot be cured in the strict sense. With treatments such as the excimer laser, however, repigmentation can be stimulated in suitable areas. Success differs from person to person.
How many sessions are needed?: As a rule many sessions over a longer period are required. Repigmentation builds up slowly and differs from person to person.
Does health insurance cover the costs?: The treatment is as a rule a self-pay or IGeL service. Private insurers often cover the costs. We clarify the framework with you beforehand.