What to expect from narrowband UVB phototherapy for vitiligo

The clinician identifies the depigmented areas and chooses an exposure based on your skin response, body site, and treatment history. You wear protective eyewear and cover areas that do not need treatment. The light is directed at the affected skin; a focused device may be used for smaller patches. Early changes can be subtle. Colour may return as small spots that gradually expand or blend, and different body sites can respond at different speeds. The goal is monitored repigmentation, not an immediate colour change.

Keep appointments as planned and tell the team about new medicines, topical products, illness, or recent sun exposure. Follow instructions for covering sensitive areas and caring for skin after exposure. Avoid tanning and extra sun exposure unless your clinician has specifically included it in your plan. Record new redness, discomfort, or pigment changes and bring those observations to review. See the treatment overview for [Narrowband UVB Phototherapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/narrowband-uvb-phototherapy/).

Tell the clinic if treated skin develops painful redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling. Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, faintness, or a rapidly spreading reaction. Contact your dermatologist about eye pain, significant discomfort, or a new rapidly changing patch instead of adjusting exposure yourself.

Ask which areas are suitable, how progress will be photographed or assessed, how to protect normally pigmented skin, and what to do after a missed appointment. Ask whether your current creams or medicines need special timing around light treatment.