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Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disorder causing patches of skin to lose their pigment due to melanocytes (pigment-making cells) being attacked and destroyed.
What is it?
Vitiligo is a long-lasting condition that leads to parts of the skin becoming unusually light due to a deficiency in melanin - the pigment that gives skin its natural color. It causes your skin to lose its natural hue and forms white zones known as macules or patches. Macules are smaller than five millimeters, while patches are five millimeters or larger. It's not uncommon for individuals with vitiligo to notice their hair turning white in the affected areas. The condition usually arises in individuals in their 20s, manifesting on the face, arms, hands or feet. Over time, the condition typically worsens, with more skin areas losing their pigmentation. Vitiligo can affect individuals of all skin colors although lighter skin patches are more discernible on darker or tanned skin.
At Clarkston Dermatology, we diagnose and treat vitiligo whether it's confined to small, localized areas or generalized vitiligo that impacts various parts of the body. Using the latest in available treatments, our dermatologists have seen successful restoration of skin color in many vitiligo patients.
How is it treated?
To achieve your objectives, our medical practice's team will recommend a strategy tailored to your age, overall wellbeing, type of vitiligo, impacted location on your body and the progression of the condition.
To enchance skin pigmentation, our dermatologists in Clarkston and Oxford, Michigan, can administer medications, light therapy, pigmentation therapy, laser therapy, skin graft surgery, cell transplant surgery and camouflage therapy. Patients who have not seen results with past treatments can often see improvement with newer advanced therapies.
Effective vitiligo treatments take time and some individuals may need more intensive treatments to see improvement. Schedule an appointment at Clarkston Dermatology to begin your journey towards regaining your natural skin color.