Undergoing Treatment for Vitiligo

Published on: May 29, 2015

Vitiligo is a skin condition where areas of the skin lose pigment, making them lighter or white. Not only can this condition be embarrassing and unattractive, these patches are susceptible to sunburn due to lack of melanin to protect the skin. Although there is no cure for vitiligo, there are treatment options for the condition through a dermatologist.

Vitiligo Treatment Options

Treating vitiligo requires an individualized approach as each case can be different. Some patients may only have a few small patches that need to be treated, while others may have over 50% of their body affect by vitiligo. The first step is to try to stop the spread of the condition, then work on solutions to reduce the appearance of these white areas of skin. Some of the treatments for evening the skin tone in those with vitiligo include:

  • Topical creams. There are several topical applications, some including steroids, which are used to treat vitiligo. Most of these creams require a prescription through a dermatologist.
  • Phototherapy. Ultraviolet light therapy is often used to treat larger areas of vitiligo. This is usually performed at a dermatology clinic using specialized medications and equipment. There are also laser treatments that can be effective for smaller areas.
  • Surgical therapies. There are surgical options for skin grafting and other surgical procedures. However, this is the more extreme end of the treatment spectrum.

The first step in begin treatment for vitiligo is enlisting the help of a dermatologist to examine the extent of the condition and devise a treatment plan. What is an effective treatment for one person is not always a viable option for someone else, so each plan may be different.

Posted on behalf of:
Northwest Georgia Dermatology
840 Church Street
Marietta, GA 30060
(770) 426-7177

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