Let Our Board-Certified Dermatologists Treat Your Vitiligo
What is Vitiligo?
Whether you’re just starting to experience symptoms of vitiligo or have had this skin condition for a while, it can take a serious toll on your mental and psychological health. But vitiligo treatments are available and at the Center for Surgical Dermatology, our team of board-certified dermatologists are here to help you feel more confident in your skin.
We know this uncommon skin condition affects everyone differently. Therefore, we offer professional diagnosis and personalized vitiligo treatment options to help improve your quality of life.
Vitiligo, also called leucoderma, is a long-term skin condition that causes the skin to lose its pigmentation, which results in patches of lighter skin, usually white or pink in appearance. These patches can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly seen on the face, hands, knees and lower legs.
Vitiligo can also affect other parts of the body. A patch of hair can turn white (including the eyelashes and eyebrows), the inside of the mouth can lose pigmentation, and even an eye can lose some of its color.
Vitiligo FAQs
Take a look at our expert answers to frequently asked questions about vitiligo below:
Vitiligo is caused by a loss of melanocytes, the pigment cells that give our hair and skin color. The body attacks the melanocytes in the skin, hair, eye, inner ear, and mucous membranes, and as a result, these pigment-producing cells stop working in the affected parts of the body.
It’s unclear what causes this to happen, but experts suggest it’s related to:
Vitiligo is a common condition and, globally, affects about 1% of the population.
Vitiligo can be genetic, but the inheritance pattern can be complex. Researchers and scientists have found about 20% of people with vitiligo will have a family history.
Typically, vitiligo will begin as a small white spot that’s different from the normal surrounding skin color. As time goes on, this small white spot can enlarge and new white spots can develop.
The direct cause behind vitiligo is still unknown. It is considered an autoimmune disease.
Vitiligo can be associated with other autoimmune diseases, either in the same patient or in that patient’s family. In many cases, when vitiligo is diagnosed, doctors recommend the patient get screened for other autoimmune diseases, like thyroid disease, anemia, and diabetes.
Vitiligo is not contagious, it is not an infectious disease, and it is not a physically harmful condition.
Vitiligo is typically asymptomatic.
We don’t know the exact reason why vitiligo occurs or why it spreads, but many doctors and dermatologists say patients with vitiligo will be stable for years and then have a trigger that causes it to spread rapidly. The course is unpredictable.
There is currently no cure for vitiligo. There are treatment options, however, to address vitiligo and while they are not perfect, they can help slow down the spread, reduce inflammation, and help with repigmentation.
Vitiligo treatments include topical medications (usually steroids) and light therapy.
At the Center for Surgical Dermatology, we offer the most up-to-date vitiligo treatments and are here to help you feel more confident in your skin. Call us today at (614) 847-4100 to schedule a consultation.
Vitiligo Photos
Curious what vitiligo looks like? View our photo gallery below and contact us to schedule an appointment with our board-certified dermatologists.
Find Board-Certified Diagnosis & Treatment for Vitiligo
Is vitiligo impacting your quality of life? Schedule an appointment with our expert team at the Center for Surgical Dermatology today to discover the right plan and treatment options for your vitiligo. Learn more about our services and schedule an appointment by calling (614) 847-4100.
Have questions or concerns? Please give us a call at 614.847.4100.