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Vitiligo Treatment FAQ
The questions our customers ask most, answered briefly. For the full method see the 7-step protocol and the phototherapy guide. Something not answered here? Write to us – we answer every message personally, usually within one working day.
How long does vitiligo treatment take?
It depends on where the patches are and how old they are. The face, neck and trunk repigment fastest; fingers, toes and lips slowest. A fresh patch can respond within a few sessions; extensive or old patches take up to a year of consistent treatment, not counting summer breaks. Count on 4–14 months.
When can I expect the first results?
The first signs – small brown dots around hair follicles inside the patch, or colour creeping in from the edges – usually appear after 1–4 months, depending on the location. Combining the UVB lamp with Vitistop gel and a prescription cream such as tacrolimus (Protopic) speeds this up.
Should I wear protective goggles?
Yes, whenever the lamp is switched on near the face – UVB can damage the eyes. Never look into the lamp. For patches on hands or body, keep the lamp pointed away from your eyes.
Can I use the lamp during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Narrowband UVB is considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding and is used in clinics for pregnant women. UVB can lower folate levels, so ask your doctor about folic acid supplementation. Always inform your obstetrician.
Can I take the tablets or gel during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Vitistop tablets: after consulting your doctor. Vitistop gel: not recommended – babchi oil has not been tested in pregnancy.
Can the pigment disappear again after treatment?
Yes, if the vitiligo is still active. Continuing tacrolimus on repigmented areas for a few months and tapering the lamp slowly (once a week) stabilises the result. Keeping the immune system calm – exercise, sleep, time outdoors, sauna, good food, low stress – is the best protection against relapse.
Can I treat the skin around the eyes?
Yes, and it responds very well. Keep the eyes firmly closed (or wear the goggles and treat only outside them), start at 15 seconds and increase by 15-second steps to a maximum of 1 minute per eye – eyelid skin is thin and burns easily.
How long can I take Vitistop tablets?
Throughout treatment, with a 2–4-week break after every 3 months. The same rhythm applies to preventive use.
Does Vitistop gel work without light?
Only minimally. No product on earth repigments vitiligo without light – the gentle pinkness induced by UVB or sun is what stimulates new pigment. The gel prepares the skin and increases the response; light does the work.
Nothing has happened after two months. What am I doing wrong?
Almost always one of these: sessions are irregular; the dose is too low (no faint pinkness after the session); the protective film was never removed from the lamp glass; the gel is not applied 60 minutes before; light is missing entirely. Go through why vitiligo treatment fails.
Can I use the lamp in summer?
Yes, as long as you do not combine it with sunbathing on the same day. Sun plus lamp equals a double dose and a burn. On lamp days use SPF 50+ outside.
Can I apply the gel and treat the genitals?
Groin, thighs and mons pubis: yes, with shorter exposures. Male genitals: no UV treatment – guidelines advise against it and repigmentation is poor there. Women may treat external genital skin cautiously after talking to a dermatologist. Details in Vitiligo in the intimate area.
How is vitiligo treated in children?
The same protocol with two changes: Vitix tablets instead of Vitistop until age 12, and tacrolimus 0.03 % instead of 0.1 %. An adult operates the lamp; the child wears goggles. Full article: Vitiligo in children.
After applying Vitistop gel, when can I sunbathe?
Wait at least 30–60 minutes. Expose the patches for a short, controlled time (10–15 minutes at first), then apply SPF 50+ – the gel increases light sensitivity and unprotected sun can blister a patch.
I burned a patch. When can I continue?
Cool the skin, use aloe vera or panthenol, and see a doctor for blisters. Restart the lamp only when the skin has healed completely – and at a lower dose than the one that burned.
Can I combine Vitistop tablets with other supplements?
Yes, if they do not duplicate the same ingredients (do not stack extra zinc, copper or selenium). Vitamin D3, collagen and chlorella combine well. Take breaks from all supplements periodically.
Why didn't my skin redden at the first session?
The first sessions are test doses. If there is no reaction even after four minutes, the lamp is too far from the skin or the protective film is still on the glass. Hold the lamp directly on the skin with the comb attachment as spacer.
What is the difference between Vitix and Vitistop tablets?
Vitix (by ACM) is the milder complex for children aged 3–11; Vitistop is the stronger formula for everyone from age 12. Taking both together brings nothing.
Which lamp should I buy?
For most people with patches on hands, face, elbows, knees or feet: the Philips BU-1S. If you want a built-in timer: Philips BU-10. For the highest output and clinical-grade build: Dermalight 80R. For vitiligo over most of the body: a full-body panel or clinic phototherapy. We ship across Europe and beyond – delivery options and prices are on the shipping page.