Vitiligo Treatment from Coral Gables Dermatologists
What is vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a condition that causes skin discoloration and loss of pigment in patches of the skin. Any area of the body can be affected by this skin disorder, and those who suffer from the condition usually experience skin pigment loss in several areas.
Who Is at Most Risk for Vitiligo Disease?
Vitiligo skin disease can affect anyone of any age or gender, although it is most common in those who are between the ages of 10 and 30.
What are the different types of vitiligo?
There are several types of vitiligo, including:
- Generalized vitiligo – the most common kind of vitiligo, affecting many parts of the body in any area
- Segmental vitiligo – vitiligo that tends to emerge during childhood and stops developing after a few years
- Localized vitiligo – vitiligo that only affects one or a few areas of your body
What causes vitiligo skin disease?
Your body produces pigment, or skin color, with the help of special cells called melanocytes. When these cells die or malfunction, your skin, hair, or eye color can lose their/pigment. While physicians do not currently know the exact cause of cell death or malfunction, experts speculate that it may be related to one or more of the following:
- Immune system disorders
- Genetic predisposition
- Stress
- Trauma
- Excessive sun exposure
- Chemical exposure
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What are the symptoms of vitiligo?
Visit one of our experienced vitiligo specialists at the Florida Academic Dermatology Center if you experience any of the following vitiligo symptoms:
- White spots on skin
- Gray or white hair color
- Loss of color inside mouth
- Eye color changes
Vitiligo can affect any area of the body, but in most cases, it initially develops in the following areas:
- Arms
- Face
- Lips / mouth
- Hands
- Feet
How is vitiligo diagnosed?
In order to accurately diagnose vitiligo, visit the Florida Academic Dermatology Center. Our experienced physicians will likely use one or more of the following diagnostic steps to rule out or diagnose vitiligo and determine what treatment options are best for your individual needs:
- Physical exam – includes your vitiligo dermatologist evaluating your skin, looking for signs of pigment loss and other signs of vitiligo
- Medical history evaluation – involves a vitiligo doctor looking through your recent and past medical history, especially your skin health
- Skin biopsy – only used in some cases and involves taking a sample from the affected area to look at the skin more closely
- Blood testing – includes lab testing that might be required to rule out other conditions or confirm an autoimmune system problem as the cause of your vitiligo
What does vitiligo treatment involve?
There is a wide range of vitiligo treatment options that can help restore your skin’s pigmentation and evenness. However, each individual’s skin is unique and complex, so results may vary from person to person. Some of the numerous treatment options that may be recommended for managing your vitiligo include the following:
- Corticosteroid creams
- Certain immune system medications
- Light therapy
- Depigmentation (pigment removal in other areas)
- Surgery (in some cases)
At the Florida Academic Dermatology Center, we also offer a wide range of cosmetic skin care treatments that may be able to address concerns associated with skin conditions like vitiligo.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are experiencing symptoms of vitiligo, visit the Florida Academic Dermatology Center, a dermatology and research clinic dedicated to offering the best vitiligo treatment options. Our state-of-the-art facility provides compassionate medical care using world-class, cutting-edge treatments. Call us today at (305) 324-2110 or fill out the form on this page to request an appointment.