Vitiligo is a skin condition classified by the loss of pigment from areas of skin that results in irregular white patches that feel just like normal skin. Vitiligo is more noticeable on darker-skinned people, because of the drastic contrast of skin tones, but it affects all ethnicities and occurs in both men and women.
While some families may be more likely than others to produce the condition, the main causes of vitiligo remain unknown. It can result as a side effect of certain medications and has also been associated with three diseases:
- Pernicious anemia: A decrease in red blood cells that occurs when the body cannot absorb B12.
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland that produces too much of the thyroid hormone.
- Addison’s Disease: The body’s adrenal glands do not produce enough of their hormones.
Skin affected by vitiligo may take on a sudden or gradual appearance of pigment loss. The lesions appear as flat areas with no pigment but a dark border. While sharply defined, the edges of the lesion are irregular.
A main concern in patients with vitiligo is the susceptibility of the pigment-free areas of the skin to sunburn and to certain types of skin cancer. In the early stages of the disease, topical creams and other treatments may be prescribed to help some areas regain pigmentation but it is difficult to determine how effective these medications will be because pigmentation loss can increase or decrease at any time.
In the Dermatology and Laser Centre of Studio City, Gene Rubinstein M.D., uses excimer lasers which treat vitiligo more effectively, safely and conveniently than UVB therapy booths which have been used in the past. A UVBÂ therapy booth looks like a standing tanning booth but actually helps treat different skin diseases.
The treatments are painless and take just a few minutes, done two or three times a week over the course of several weeks. And because the laser treatments target the affected areas specifically, there is limited exposure to the healthy tissue.
The excimer laser creates a concentrated beam of ultraviolet light that is delivered to the vitiligo patches through a handpiece that rests directly on the skin. The laser is ideal for common areas affected by vitiligo including the face, neck, and torso. The handpiece also allows the laser to treat parts of the body that are difficult to reach like the feet and underarms.
Excimer laser therapy is safe and effective for all ages and ethnicities and may be covered by your insurance plan. Past patients have reported greater and longer-lasting relief from this laser therapy compared to other treatments they have tried. Besides a slight warming sensation at the treatment site, no pain is felt during the process.
Depending on the severity of your specific condition and the regions it covers, your doctor will select the correct dosage level for each treatment as well as the number of sessions needed to achieve full results. Many people experience noticeable repigmentation after 30 or fewer treatments.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
