The Basics Behind Vitiligo
- Posted on: May 30 2018
When it comes to dermatological conditions, unless you yourself work in the industry, hearing terms like “vitiligo” may make you feel like you are learning a new language. Luckily, we at Callender Cosmetic and Dermatology Center have got you covered. Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes white patches on the skin. If you think you or a loved one has vitiligo, here are some basics about this condition.
It’s Symmetrical
One unique thing about vitiligo is that it affects both sides of the body equally and is typically symmetrical.
It’s Not Painful
The good news about vitiligo (if there is such a thing) is that it’s not painful. However, it can make you more sensitive to the sun which means that you should make sure that you are wearing either an extra layer of clothing when you’re outside or that you are constantly applying sunscreen.
It’s Fairly Common
Although you may be new to the world of vitiligo or are just learning about it, it actually is more common than you may be aware of. In fact, vitiligo affects nearly 1/2 to 1 percent of the population.
It’s Difficult to Treat
Vitiligo is very difficult to treat. In fact, many patients live with this skin condition without seeking any treatment at all. However, there are some instances in which we have seen patients find an improvement in their vitiligo symptoms with treatments like:
- Phototherapy (medical exposure to ultraviolet light)
- Topical drugs (to increase skin sensitivity to light)
- Topical corticosteroids
- Autologous skin grafts from pigmented areas
- Medical tattooing (micropigmentation)
- Topical immunosuppressants
Having a skin condition like vitiligo can make you feel self-conscious about the skin you are in. Let us help you find some relief from your vitiligo and schedule a skin care consultation at our Glenn Dale office today: 301.249.0970.
Posted in: Vitiligo
