Vitiligo

Effective Vitiligo Treatment and Management at Dermatology Affiliates in Atlanta


Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by the loss of brown pigmentation in certain areas, leading to irregular white patches on the skin. These patches feel the same as the rest of your skin but are distinct due to the absence of pigment. While vitiligo mainly affects the skin, it can also appear in other pigmented areas, including the hair and, in some cases, the eyes. Vitiligo affects about one in every hundred people in the United States and can develop at any age.

At Dermatology Affiliates, we take a personalized approach to treating vitiligo, offering a variety of methods tailored to your specific needs. While there is no definitive cure for vitiligo, our treatments focus on managing the condition and improving the appearance of your skin. Through a comprehensive skin consultation, we work closely with you to determine the best course of action for your skin health.

What are the Symptoms of Vitiligo?

  • Patches of lighter-colored or white skin appearing any place on the body.
  • Some people with vitiligo develop a few patches, while others are affected in large parts of the skin area.The edges of the patches are well-defined, but irregular.
  • There are generally not any other symptoms of the condition, and people affected otherwise feel completely healthy.

What Causes Vitiligo?

  • Vitiligo is believed to result from a combination of genetic, autoimmune, and environmental factors.
  • It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment.
  • Genetic factors may contribute to an individual's susceptibility to vitiligo, and certain environmental triggers.

Can You Prevent Vitiligo?

Currently, there is no surefire way to prevent vitiligo, as the exact cause of the condition is not fully understood. However, some strategies may help manage the condition or reduce its impact including proper sun protection using a broad-spectrum, high-SPF sunscreen, and early intervention with a custom treatment plan from your dermatologist.

Vitiligo FAQs

Vitiligo can occur anywhere on the body. However, it often develops in areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, arms, and feet.

Vitiligo can impact self-esteem, but there are treatment options available. Dermatologists may recommend topical steroids, phototherapy, or other therapies to help repigment the skin.

While there is no cure for vitiligo, various treatments aim to improve skin appearance. Dermatologists may tailor treatment plans based on individual needs, and supportive therapies can help manage the condition.

Vitiligo may spread over time, and its progression can vary from person to person. Dermatologists diagnose vitiligo through a physical examination and may use additional tests to assess the extent of depigmentation.

Sun exposure can potentially worsen vitiligo. Dermatologists often recommend protecting the skin from the sun using sunscreen and clothing to prevent sunburn in depigmented areas.

Treatments for Vitiligo

Treatment for vitiligo aims to restore color to the depigmented areas of the skin. Options include topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and phototherapy using UVB light. It's important for individuals with vitiligo to work closely with dermatologists to develop a tailored management plan based on their specific condition and needs.

Our team of skin experts can help you achieve your healthy skin goals. Schedule your appointment today to start your skin journey.