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Vitiligo

The Art and Science of Beautiful Skin.

Vitiligo

The Art and Science of Beautiful Skin.

GENERAL

Vitiligo

Located in Buckhead, East Cobb, Midtown, and serving the surrounding areas of Atlanta, Dermatology Affiliates offers treatment for vitiligo to those who desire to correct skin discolorations through medical dermatology. Vitiligo is a skin disorder that affects the pigmentation, or color, of parts of your skin, eyes, or hair. It is not contagious, and it tends to occur in patches. Vitiligo affects skin color by stopping the production of melanin in the affected areas.

QUESTIONS

Vitiligo FAQ

The most telling symptom of vitiligo is the patchy lightening of skin and hair. It tends to start in parts of the skin that see the most sun exposure, but it can occur anywhere on the body. That includes the inside of the mouth, nose, and ears, although it is less noticeable there. Generally, once vitiligo alters the color of skin, that skin will remain lighter without changing back to its original shade.

Researchers are not sure what causes vitiligo or why some people get it. There are a few major risk factors, however. People who have family members with vitiligo are at a higher risk for developing it themselves. Younger people and those who were born with darker skin also seem to have an elevated risk of developing vitiligo. In many cases, the person with vitiligo can trace the onset of the disorder to a specific event, such as a period of high stress or a bad sunburn.

Scientists believe that vitiligo may be linked to autoimmune disorders, such as hypothyroidism, Addison’s Disease, and pernicious anemia. However, the nature of this link is not well understood. The existence of trigger events makes identifying the cause of vitiligo, even more, complex.

As stated above, the most significant symptom of vitiligo is its appearance. Patches of the skin, most frequently on the face, lighter in color. Eventually, they reach their final pigmentation, which tends to be considerably lighter than the skin around them.

Here is a list of some treatment options:

  • Creams for inflammation
  • Protopic® or Elidel® – a topical often paired with corticosteroids or ultraviolet light
  • Light therapy
  • UV phototherapy
  • Excimer laser therapy
  • Depigmentation
  • Micropigmentation

The cost of any treatment for vitiligo varies based on the extensiveness of treatment needed. We are also happy to talk to about financing methods with affordable payment options.

The first step is to set up a consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists. The board-certified dermatologists and staff at Dermatology Affiliates provide personalized care for our vitiligo patients in and around Atlanta and Marietta. We use the most advanced technologies in dermatology to help our patients maintain optimum skin health and restore self-confidence by revitalizing their appearance. To receive more information or schedule a consultation, contact us today to speak with our friendly staff.

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Have questions or concerns? Please call us at 404.816.7900