Vitiligo is a disease that causes the loss of pigmentation in the skin. Melanocytes (the cells that cause pigmentation) are destroyed, which causes white patches to appear on different parts of the body. Many individuals find this unsightly or embarrassing, but they should know that they have options. Vitiligo treatment can come in the form of different oral medications, creams, light therapies, and others, all of which can help you with the disease. So whether you’ve just been diagnosed or have had vitiligo for a long time, learning about what you can do about it is important. Here are some options available to you.
Creams and Ointments
You can only get creams and ointments for vitiligo if you’ve got a prescription by a legitimate medical doctor. These creams and ointments can be corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors, both of which are powerful anti-inflammatories. It’s believed that reducing inflammation aids in preventing further pigmentation loss. There have also been cases of people having their natural skin color return to them when using these treatments. However, this method of vitiligo treatment may take several months to work and may not be the best choice for children or the elderly due to their sensitive skin.
Light Therapy
Light therapy also goes by the name photochemotherapy. It involves controlled exposure to UV rays in order to correct discoloration. This treatment can also be coupled with a plant-based medication known as psoralen, which can either be taken orally or applied to the skin. This vitiligo treatment is known as PUVA, and is known to be 85% effective, and are especially effective when treating areas on your trunk, legs, arms, head, and neck. PUVA treatment may be needed up to three times a week over a period of six months.
Depigmentation
This is a method of vitiligo treatment in which the rest of your normal skin is lightened to match the color of the vitiligo patches. This type of treatment is usually only used if your vitiligo is widespread and if other treatments don’t work. This method of vitiligo treatment works by applying an ointment to unaffected areas of your skin once or twice a day over a period of nine months.
Skin Grafting
If simpler treatments fail, a doctor may suggest that you undergo skin grafting. This is when skin is taken from another part of your body and then implanted on the lighter areas of your skin affected by vitiligo. This treatment works best with smaller patches of skin.
Micropigmentation
Micropigmentation is a kind of vitiligo treatment that basically equates to tattooing. Pigment is added to affected regions of skin using a special instrument by a doctor so that the once lightened patch now matches the patient’s natural skin tone.
Vitiligo Treatment Is Available
If you’re dealing with vitiligo, there are some great options for treatment right here in the Paramus area. If you wish to restore certain portions of your skin to its natural color, contact the experts at SKC Dermatology in Paramus to schedule your initial consultation.
