With the continuous advancement of treatments for vitiligo, excimer 308 phototherapy has become the preferred method for treating vitiligo, whether in hospitals or at home. Many patients experience certain skin reactions during phototherapy. Today, we will share some common reactions and how to manage them.

With the continuous advancement of treatments for vitiligo, excimer 308 phototherapy has become the preferred method for treating vitiligo, whether in hospitals or at home. Many patients experience certain skin reactions during phototherapy. Today, we will share some common reactions and how to manage them.

Dryness and Flaking of the Skin

During phototherapy, the affected skin tends to lose moisture more quickly, which may lead to dryness, itching, or even flaking after the session. This is a normal reaction, and it is essential to moisturize the affected area.

We recommend using a gentle, non-irritating moisturizer or lotion. Experts from Guangzhuanjia often advise applying aloe vera gel evenly to the skin after phototherapy, as it can effectively alleviate discomfort such as dryness and flaking.

Erythema (Redness)

First, mild redness of the skin after phototherapy is actually a positive sign! It indicates that the skin is responding to the light therapy and that the treatment is working.

Second, pay attention to how long the redness lasts. If it fades within about 24 hours, it means the phototherapy dose is appropriate, with good effectiveness and minimal adverse effects. If the redness persists for 24–48 hours, it suggests the dose is too high, and the exposure time should be reduced. If redness lasts for more than 72 hours and is accompanied by pain, it is necessary to temporarily stop phototherapy and seek further guidance from professionals or a doctor.

Blisters

This situation is usually caused by an excessive dose of phototherapy, leading to redness, swelling, pain, and the appearance of blisters. In such cases, phototherapy should be stopped immediately. If the blisters are as small as pinpoints, there is no need to worry. Just keep the area clean and avoid scratching or breaking them, as they will typically absorb on their own.

If the blisters are larger or more severe, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. If a blister ruptures, it can easily become infected. However, rest assured that this condition usually recovers quickly. Follow your doctor’s instructions and apply the prescribed topical ointment. Before resuming phototherapy, ensure the affected area has fully healed, and reduce the dose by half.

A special reminder: Especially during the initial stages of phototherapy, when determining the appropriate dose, it is essential and safer to increase the dose gradually. Do not reference others’ phototherapy durations, as individual differences and skin absorption levels vary, making them unsuitable for comparison.

If you would like to learn more about phototherapy knowledge, feel free to leave a comment below.