Our Services / Vitiligo

Vitiligo services offered in Columbia, MD

According to an investigation by JAMA Dermatology, up to 2.8 million Americans have vitiligo, a skin condition that causes progressive depigmentation. With a team of board-certified dermatologists, Dermatology & Advanced Skin Care in Columbia, Maryland, has the necessary experience and state-of-the-art treatments to effectively manage vitiligo. Call the dermatology office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

Vitiligo Q & A

What is vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a progressive skin condition that causes patches of skin to lose pigment and lighten, eventually turning white. It can occur anywhere on the body and develop at any time.

Vitiligo frequently affects the skin around the mouth, eyes, wrists, elbows, and hands, but it can also occur on the body’s trunk. It’s rare for these patches to take over the entire body, though it can occur.

With a team of board-certified dermatologists, Dermatology & Advanced Skin Care has many effective treatments to target vitiligo.

How does vitiligo start?

Vitiligo begins when melanocytes, pigment-producing cells, stop producing pigment (melanin). While experts don’t know exactly why some people develop vitiligo and others don’t, risk factors include the following:

Autoimmune response

In individuals with vitiligo, the immune system may mistakenly attack and destroy the melanocytes, which are the pigment-producing cells in the skin. This autoimmune response leads to the depigmentation seen in vitiligo.

Genetic predisposition

There is often a genetic component to vitiligo, as the condition can run in families. Specific genetic factors may contribute to an increased susceptibility to autoimmune reactions against melanocytes.

Environmental triggers

Certain environmental factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals, trauma to the skin (like sunburn or cuts), or emotional stress, may trigger or exacerbate vitiligo in individuals who are genetically predisposed.

Can vitiligo go away on its own?

While some individuals may experience partial or complete repigmentation without intervention, the course of vitiligo is unpredictable. Not everyone sees spontaneous improvement.

The size and location of depigmented areas, individual responses to treatments, and other factors play a role in the overall outcome.

Regular visits with your board-certified dermatologist can provide guidance on managing vitiligo and exploring treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

What are the treatments for vitiligo?

Dermatology & Advanced Skin Care tailored vitiligo treatment to your needs, considering the extent of depigmentation and your medical history. Treatments for vitiligo may include:

Topical calcineurin inhibitors
Topical corticosteroids
Phototherapy
Laser therapy
Topical psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA)

Your personalized treatment plan may include more than one solution. Call Dermatology & Skin Care today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about vitiligo.