Vitiligo

For generalized vitiligo, options include phototherapy with narrowband ultraviolet B or psoralen (a plant based photosensitizing medication taken prior to phototherapy) plus ultraviolet A. It is known that the greater the exposure to ultraviolet light, the greater the risk of skin cancers. Research shows that UVA exposure is directly associated with skin cancers (3), but UVB exposure may result in less risk of skin cancer because the damage it causes is more superficial (2), and several studies have shown that UVB does not have an increase in risk of skin cancers (3). However, it is generally accepted by the majority of authorities that both UVA and UVB exposure increase the risk of skin cancer.