What Is Vitiligo?
Living with vitiligo can be challenging, especially when it affects your confidence, but understanding more about this autoimmune condition can help. Vitiligo is a skin disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the pigment-producing cells, leading to white patches on affected areas of the body. Dr. Adam Aldahan and our dermatological team at Palm Beach Dermatology offer a range of treatments to manage the skin condition. While the exact vitiligo causes are still being researched, many wonder if vitiligo is genetic. Though there is a genetic component, other factors like stress or immune system problems may trigger or worsen the condition. People with vitiligo may notice white spots on large areas of their skin, and these patches can vary in size and location. For some, segmental vitiligo causes localized patches while others may develop vitiligo across different parts of the body, often starting before the age of 30. Schedule a consultation at our Boca Raton, FL practice to learn more about our solutions to various skin conditions, including vitiligo.
How Is Vitiligo Treated?
While there is no cure for vitiligo, there are several treatments available to restore pigment or minimize the appearance of white patches. At Palm Beach Dermatology in Boca Raton, FL, we offer personalized vitiligo treatment plans based on the individual's needs, including:
- Steroids: Topical corticosteroids can help bring color back to the skin by calming the immune response. This is especially useful for people who have recently developed white patches.
- Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus: These non-steroidal creams are applied to smaller areas of the body, especially the face and neck. They work by targeting the immune system to stop the spread of white patches.
- Opzelura: A newer treatment for treating vitiligo, Opzelura can halt depigmentation and even restore some lost pigment. It targets specific pathways related to the immune response.
For more widespread areas or stubborn cases, light therapy is an effective treatment:
- UVB (narrowband): This type of UVB light therapy involves controlled exposure to UV light and works best for smaller areas or patients with extensive affected areas.
- Excimer laser: This precise light therapy targets smaller patches on the skin, promoting pigment cell production. It's effective for localized vitiligo and often provides quicker results.
Palm Beach Dermatology also offers lab monitoring to check for associated autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disorders. Since vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, screening for these related health issues ensures comprehensive care. By addressing any underlying conditions, people with vitiligo can experience more effective and tailored treatment outcomes.
What Are the Symptoms of Vitiligo?
For many individuals, vitiligo symptoms can progress slowly over time with some patches growing or staying the same size. In some cases, people with vitiligo may notice that their symptoms stabilize or stop spreading altogether. A large area of the body may be affected or the condition might remain localized to one part. Some common vitiligo symptoms include:
- White patches of skin that appear on different areas of the body
- Premature whitening or graying of hair, including scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes
- Loss of color in areas inside the mouth or nose
- Changes in the retina (the colored part of the eye)
- Increased sensitivity of the skin to sunburn
Palm Beach Dermatology Reviews
Great doctor makes you feel super at ease and very thorough! So glad to have found this office ! Dr Adam is the best !
I have had two visits with Dr. Aldahan and he was nothing but amazing! He’s very thorough and takes his time during the visits. I had a procedure and he was super gentle . A great experience over all with the office staff as well.
Dr. Aldahan is very capable of taking care of my skin problems even after many years of treatment by others. This was my third visit with Dr. Aldahan and I have a two-month checkup scheduled.
The best, smart, nice knowledgeable, professional, up to date and hands on.
Very nice new office! Everyone was extremely welcoming and Dr. Aldahan listened to all my concerns and was very insightful. Would highly recommend.
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Discover Advanced Solutions to Treat Vitiligo
If you are living with vitiligo and seeking advanced, personalized care, Palm Beach Dermatology in Boca Raton, FL offers comprehensive treatments for vitiligo. From topical treatments and UVB light therapies to lab monitoring, our team is dedicated to helping you manage this autoimmune condition. With tailored approaches and expert care, we can help reduce the appearance of white patches and improve your skin health. Reach out to Dr. Adam Aldahan to learn more about vitiligo treatments, and schedule a private consultation with our team today.