Vitiligo Treatment

Vitiligo causes people to lose pigmentation in different patches of skin. These patches can grow over time and show up on any part of the body. If you suffer from this autoimmune condition, you might feel insecure about your appearance. The doctors at Palm Beach Dermatology Group can help you with that, though.

We offer the most up-to-date treatment to our patients with vitiligo in South Florida. It will help restore the color of your skin and boost your confidence.

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About
Everything You Need to Know About Vitiligo

 

Mayo Clinic describes vitiligo as an autoimmune skin condition that causes discoloration and a loss of pigmentation in the skin, usually turning the skin a light color or white. The affected patches of skin can occur on any body part and spread over time.

Melanin typically determines hair and skin color. When cells that create melanin stop working or die, vitiligo occurs. Anyone can deal with this condition, but it’s more noticeable in those who have a darker complexion. People usually start developing it before they turn 30.

Fortunately, it’s not harmful, but it can take a toll on your self-image.

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Types
Types of Vitiligo
In general, the type of vitiligo you have will fall into one of five categories:
Universal vitiligo
which affects all skin surfaces
Stress
which affects the skin on the hands and face, especially the ears, nose, and eyes
Severe sunburn
the most common type of this condition, in which the discoloration affects both sides of the body symmetrically
Trauma to the skin
which affects only one or a few parts of the body
A family history
which affects one side or body part, typically in younger children
We cannot always predict how vitiligo will progress, but in the majority of cases, most of the skin becomes discolored.
Symptoms

Symptoms of Vitiligo

You might have if you notice these signs:

  • Discoloration in your mucus membranes, or the tissues in and around your mouth and nose.
  • Premature gray or white hair on your scalp, beard, eyebrows, or eyelashes.
  • Loss of skin color or whitening in your face, hands, genitals, or body openings.

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Who Qualifies
Treatment We Provide to
Our Patients With Vitiligo in
South Florida

 

There’s no cure for vitiligo, but it is treatable. The type of treatment we use depends on:

 

 

 

  • Depigmentation: The effects of this treatment are permanent. Patients with widespread vitiligo usually opt for this choice, especially when none of the others has worked. Here, you would apply a depigmentation agent to the skin that hasn’t been affected by vitiligo, and it will ultimately blend with the discolored patches. You would repeat this process up to two times a day for at least nine months.
  • Your age Which body part it’s affecting
  • How quickly it’s progressing
  • How it’s impacting your life

 

After we’ve assessed your condition, we may choose to include one or a combination of these methods in your treatment plan:

 

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs: We may prescribe a corticosteroid cream to help restore the color of your skin. Keep in mind that it might take up to several months for you to notice a difference. Receiving this drug through pills or injections is also an option.

 

 

 

  • Skin grafting: The doctor will remove patches of healthy and pigmented skin and transfer them to the affected areas. Typically, patients who have localized vitiligo opt for surgery.

 

Our doctors can go through the side effects of each of these treatments and determine which one would benefit you the most while posing the most limited risk.

 

  • Light therapy: Researchers have observed that phototherapy with ultraviolet (UVB) has slowed or stopped the progression of vitiligo. It’s most effective when used in conjunction with corticosteroids. Your doctor may suggest you undergo light therapy up to three times a week for a few months before the skin color is restored. It can take up to half a year to see the full effect of this treatment.

 

Tips for vitiligo

What You Can Do to Remedy
Your Vitiligo at Home

There are some home treatments you can self-administer to alleviate your vitiligo symptoms. They include:

  • Protecting your skin in the sun: Tanning can actually accentuate your discolored patches. That’s why it’s important to cover up and wear a hat whenever you go in the sun. Stay in the shade if you can, too. Apply a sunscreen that has at least 30 SPF, and reapply every 90 minutes or so, perhaps more if you’ve been sweating or swimming.
  • Abstaining from getting a tattoo: Any skin damage, including from a tattoo, can trigger a vitiligo patch to appear within a couple of weeks.
  • Using makeup or skincare products to conceal the affected skin: Some makeup does a great job of concealing the depigmented patches of skin. Self-tanning products can work, too, but they fade over time. It’s still a good option, so look into it if you’re interested. Make sure you buy one with dihydroxyacetone, as it is FDA-approved.

Our doctors can tell you more about how you can manage your vitiligo symptoms when you come in for your appointment.

Learn More About Our
Vitiligo Treatment in South Florida

 

Since 1982, Palm Beach Dermatology Group has believed that everyone, regardless of their age, should have access to skincare that makes them feel beautiful, healthy, and confident in their own skin. If your vitiligo has made you insecure about your appearance, our doctors in South Florida can build a treatment plan that tackles your individual needs.

Give us a call today at (561) 499-0660 to get started.

Get a customized treatment plan from Palm Beach Dermatology Group.

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