Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disorder causing patches of skin to lose their pigment due to melanocytes (pigment-making cells) being attacked and destroyed.
Vitiligo is a persistent skin condition that causes
skin to lose its natural pigment, i.e., melanin, resulting in patches of
lighter-colored skin. These areas of depigmentation, known as macules or
patches, can vary in size. Macules are smaller than five millimeters, while
patches can be five millimeters or larger.
Patients with
vitiligo may notice their hair turning white in the affected areas. This skin
condition commonly emerges in people in their 20s, predominantly on the face,
arms, hands or feet. As time progresses, the condition typically advances,
causing additional areas of the skin to lose pigmentation.
Vitiligo can affect individuals of all skin tones, but
the lighter patches are often more noticeable on darker or tanned skin tones.
Vitiligo is not contagious and does not pose a medical risk.
How is it treated?
To treat vitiligo, the specialists at our Metrolina
Dermatology clinic will formulate a strategy tailored to your age, overall
wellness, type of vitiligo, affected body part, and the progress of the condition.
We offer treatments such as medication, medicated
creams, corticosteroids and light therapy to enhance skin pigmentation. Pigmentation
therapy, laser treatments, skin graft surgery, cell transplantation, and
camouflage therapy are also available treatments that may be advised by your
provider.
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