Living with vitiligo can be challenging, especially if you are feeling self-conscious about the appearance of your skin.
It’s important to know that you are not alone and that there are treatments available from the vitiligo specialist in PG County that can help improve the symptoms and your self-esteem.
What Is Vitiligo, and How Is It Diagnosed?
Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition that happens when cells that produce pigmentation in the skin are attacked and destroyed by the immune system.
The loss of pigment leads to the development of milky-white patches where there is no color in the skin. While it affects all skin tones, it is more noticeable on people with darker skin.
Vitiligo can develop at any age, although it usually appears before adulthood. The exact cause is unknown.
Diagnosis involves a physical exam of the skin by a dermatologist or other skincare specialist. The doctor will look for the characteristic white patches on the skin and may use a special lamp called a Wood’s lamp to examine the skin for signs of pigment loss.
In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
What Parts of the Body Does It Affect?
The patches where pigment is lost can appear anywhere on the body, although they are most common on the hands, feet, arms, and face. In some cases, vitiligo can also affect the hair, leading to premature graying or loss of hair on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other parts of the body.
How Does a Vitiligo Specialist in PG County Treat This Condition?
There are different types of treatments available for vitiligo, including surgical options.
Topical medications, such as corticosteroids, can help to reduce inflammation and promote repigmentation of the skin.
Light therapy, which exposes affected skin to ultraviolet light, can help to stimulate repigmentation.
In some cases, surgical options, such as skin grafting, may be needed to restore pigmentation to the skin.
A vitiligo specialist can help you determine which treatment is right for you based on how severe your condition is, how it is affecting you, and other personal factors.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Vitiligo Treatment?
Anyone who is experiencing vitiligo and is feeling self-conscious about the appearance of their skin may be a good candidate for treatment.
However, it is important to work with a qualified skincare specialist to determine which treatment options are right for you. Your health history and other considerations will be taken into account when your provider develops your treatment plan.
What Type of Results Should I Expect?
Outcomes vary depending on things such as the type of treatment used and the severity of your vitiligo. Some people see significant improvement after just a few weeks of treatment, though other patients require more extensive treatment over a long period of time.
Can Stress Affect Vitiligo?
There is some evidence to suggest that stress may play a role in the development and progression of vitiligo. Stress can trigger an autoimmune response in the body, which can lead to the destruction of the cells that produce the skin’s pigment.
By managing stress you may be able to keep your condition from worsening. You may be able to do this through talk therapy, meditation, exercise, or other techniques,
Where Can You Find Compassionate Care for Skin Conditions Such as Vitiligo?
For the top vitiligo specialist in PG County, choose Visage Dermatology and Aesthetic Center. We offer top-notch care to help you improve the appearance of your skin. We want you to look your best so you feel your best!
Call us today at 301-358-3304 to book your appointment or to learn more about clinical trials for vitiligo!