Best Vitiligo Treatments in Chevy Chase

Vitiligo refers to the loss of color or pigmentation in the skin. It causes smooth, white patches or light areas to appear on the skin. This condition impacts only 1% of the population worldwide. While treatment isn’t necessary, it is available to those who don’t like the changes to their skin. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo, pronounced “vit-il-EYE-go”, is a skin condition that causes the skin to lose its pigment and appear white or much lighter than your natural skin tone. It often starts on the hands, forearms, feet and face. If you have vitiligo on parts of your body that grow hair, the hair may turn white or silver.

What Causes Vitiligo?

This condition occurs when your body’s own immune system destroys melanocytes. Melanocytes are the cells in our skin that produce its color, or pigmentation. Without them, the skin appears very pale or white.

Is Vitiligo Contagious?

Not at all. Vitiligo affects all races and sexes equally, but it is more visible, or noticeable, on people with darker skin tones. It can develop at any age, but it usually occurs before age 30.

You may be at a higher risk of developing the condition if you have certain autoimmune conditions like:

Anemia
Addison’s disease
Diabetes
Lupus
Psoriasis
Thyroid disease
Rheumatoid arthritis

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Type of Vitiligo

There are several types of Vitiligo, including:

Generalized- most common, macules or patches appear in various places
Segmental- only affects one side of the body, or one area
Mucosal- affects mucous membranes of the mouth and/or genitals
Focal- Rare, macules develop in a small area and don’t spread
Trichome- Causes bullseye patches with a white colorless center, then a circle of lighter pigmentation, then natural skin tone.
Universal- rare, impacts 80% of the skin or more.

Best Treatments for Vitiligo in Chevy Chase

While treating vitiligo isn’t necessary, some people choose treatment to lessen the physical symptoms, or emotional impact. In this case, a dermatologist can help you find the right treatment options to achieve a more uniform skin tone.

Cronin Dermatology specializes in skin cancer treatment, lasers, cosmetic procedures, acne treatment, and anti-aging treatments. Contact us today for a one-on-one consultation!

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