Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition that causes loss of pigment, resulting in white patches on the skin. While it is not harmful or contagious, vitiligo can have a significant emotional and psychological impact—especially when it affects visible areas such as the face, hands, or arms.
At our two dermatology clinics in Edmonton, our board-certified dermatologists offer medical phototherapy as a safe, evidence-based treatment option for vitiligo, tailored to each patient’s skin and lifestyle.

What Is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo occurs when melanocytes—the cells responsible for producing pigment—are damaged or destroyed. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but vitiligo is believed to be an autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks pigment-producing cells.

Vitiligo can:
– Appear at any age
– Progress slowly or rapidly
– Affect small areas or larger portions of the body
Early assessment by a dermatologist is important, as treatment is often more effective in the early or active stages.

What Is Phototherapy for Vitiligo?
Phototherapy, specifically Narrowband UVB (NB-UVB), is one of the most well-studied and effective
treatments for vitiligo.

It works by:
– Suppressing the overactive immune response in the skin
– Stimulating remaining melanocytes
– Encouraging re-pigmentation over time

NB-UVB phototherapy is safe for both adults and children and does not increase skin cancer risk when delivered under medical supervision.

Who Is a Good Candidate?
Phototherapy may be recommended if you:
– Have spreading or active vitiligo

– Have vitiligo on the face, neck, trunk, or limbs
– Have not responded fully to topical treatments alone
– Want a non-systemic, dermatologist-guided option

Your dermatologist will assess:
– Extent and location of vitiligo
– Skin type
– Disease activity
– Prior treatments

What Does Treatment Look Like?

Phototherapy is typically performed:
– 2–3 times per week
– In-clinic, using medical-grade phototherapy units
– With gradually increasing exposure times for safety

Most patients begin to see early re-pigmentation after 8–12 weeks, with continued improvement over several months. Consistency is key—regular treatments provide the best outcomes.

Why Choose In-Clinic Phototherapy?

While at-home devices exist, in-clinic phototherapy offers important advantages:
– Physician-directed treatment plans
– Precise dosing and monitoring
– Adjustments based on response and skin sensitivity
– Integration with prescription topicals when appropriate

At our Edmonton clinics, phototherapy is delivered within a full dermatology practice, not a spa setting—ensuring safety, accuracy, and medical oversight.

Vitiligo Care at Our Edmonton Dermatology Clinics

Our approach to vitiligo is personalized and evidence-based. Phototherapy may be combined with:

– Prescription topical medications
– Ongoing monitoring by your dermatologist
– Education on expectations and timelines

We offer phototherapy services at both of our Edmonton locations, making treatment more accessible and convenient for patients across the city.

Taking the Next Step
If you or your child are living with vitiligo, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Advances in dermatology mean there are effective options available—and early treatment matters.

📌Phototherapy is available at both of our Edmonton dermatology clinics
📞Book a consultation to discuss whether phototherapy is right for you

Our dermatology team is here to support your skin health with compassion, expertise, and care that’s grounded in science.