Vitiligo is a common skin condition worldwide, affecting 0.5% to 1% of people of all ages, skin types, genders and ethnicities. It causes skin to lose its normal pigment, appearing as light, discolored patches that can develop anywhere on a person’s skin. While it’s usually not painful, this condition can make your skin sensitive to sunlight and affect your self-esteem.
If you feel you might have vitiligo, don’t hesitate to consult with a dermatologist. At Berman Skin Institute, we provide patient-centric care and perform a proper physical examination to determine the right treatment plan for your skin. Schedule an appointment online and speak with a board-certified medical dermatologist.
The First Signs of Vitiligo
Early symptoms of vitiligo typically present as small light patches on the skin. These pale spots often appear on the face, lips, hands, arms and feet and look more noticeable on darker skin tones. Some people may experience itchy skin before the spots emerge. In other cases, vitiligo may first appear inside the nose, mouth or genital area. Hair affected by vitiligo can also turn gray or white early.
As the condition develops, the light spots can become more noticeable when it spreads into larger patches. These patches typically remain in the same skin areas for years. How vitiligo spreads varies for every case, with some people having fewer discolored patches and others having extensive areas of pale skin. People with vitiligo are also prone to sunburn and should apply sunscreen to manage discomfort.
There are three main types of vitiligo based on different characteristics:
- Generalized: This is the most common type of vitiligo. It typically starts on the feet and hands and around the eyes, and it appears congruous on opposite sides of the body. Generalized vitiligo responds well to medical treatments, which are most effective during the condition’s early stages.
- Segmental: Segmental vitiligo develops on one side of the body. It starts at a young age and tends to develop quickly within six months up to two years. After this period, the white patches usually stop spreading.
- Trichome: Trichome vitiligo resembles three different pigments, with light spots close to unaffected skin. This condition is progressive and continues to spread to affected areas of the body. People with trichome vitiligo should typically receive immediate treatment.
Do I Have Vitiligo?
The only way to confirm is to consult a dermatologist. Receiving an accurate diagnosis is crucial if you’re experiencing vitiligo symptoms. It will give you the right knowledge and options to manage this condition properly. The following steps will help confirm if you have vitiligo.
1. Consult a Dermatologist
After noticing the first signs of vitiligo, set up an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist. They will screen you properly by asking about your family’s medical history and closely examining your skin.
An expert dermatologist has the right tools and medical knowledge to diagnose your condition accurately and provide safe treatments.
2. Receive a Wood’s Lamp Examination
Under normal white light, vitiligo is not as visible on the skin’s surface. A dermatologist examines the skin’s white patches using a Wood’s lamp. This specialized lamp emits purple ultraviolet light, making pale spots and patches more prominent for documentation.
3. Rule Out Other Skin Conditions
Since vitiligo may first appear on the skin as white spots, it may look similar to tinea versicolor, another condition that depigments skin. Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition that breaks down cells that produce melanin, the skin’s pigment, while tinea versicolor is a fungal infection on the skin.
See a dermatologist to ensure you receive the correct diagnosis.
Psychological Effects of Vitiligo
Vitiligo can significantly impact an individual’s self-esteem and quality of life. Visible changes to the skin can cause anxiety when you’re pressured to hide your condition, especially at a young age. In some cases, cultural factors and fear of rejection can increase feelings of isolation and depression.
Coping with a prominent skin condition can be challenging. However, with proper support, people with vitiligo can feel more secure. Moreover, with modern medical technology, many treatments can help reduce the appearance of vitiligo patches.
Topical Treatments for Vitiligo
If you have vitiligo, many treatment options can help reduce the light patches on your skin:
- Corticosteroid creams: Often used as the first treatment for vitiligo, corticosteroid creams help stop the immune system from destroying cells that produce melanin. They are often prescribed for a limited time and are effective for both children and adults.
- Pimecrolimus creams: Also suitable for children and adults, this topical treatment can be prescribed longer than corticosteroid creams. It’s most effective in lessening white patches on the neck and face.
- Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved vitiligo treatment with JAK inhibitor cream for adults and children 12 years and older. It can significantly improve symptoms of vitiligo on the face.
The Latest Vitiligo Treatments
Light therapy helps restore the skin’s natural pigment for people with prominent or widespread vitiligo patches. This procedure can help lessen depigmentation on sensitive skin areas such as the face and neck. It involves several sessions with your treatment provider to achieve noticeable results.
Types of light therapy used for vitiligo include:
- Phototherapy: This revolutionary light therapy procedure focuses on large skin areas to help reduce or remove the appearance of vitiligo patches. Phototherapy uses narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB), and each session takes only a few minutes. Treatment may also be administered a few times a week, and results may vary. It’s safe and may leave skin pink for a few days but typically requires no recovery time.
- Excimer Laser therapy: If you have smaller vitiligo patches, Excimer Laser treatment can reduce and restore your skin’s natural color. The Excimer treatment uses focused UVB light through a state-of-the-art fiber optic device. This means your provider can use high concentrations of UVB light without damaging your normal skin. The treatment only takes a few minutes and may leave your skin pink. Like phototherapy, Excimer Laser treatment also does not require recovery time.
Schedule a Consultation With Berman Skin Institute
Prioritize your skin’s health and your personal well-being with the best possible dermatologic care. If you think you have symptoms of vitiligo, consult a board-certified dermatologist at Berman Skin Institute. Our many locations throughout Northern California offer personalized advice and treatment options that can help improve your skin’s appearance. Vitiligo is a manageable condition, and detecting its early signs can help you take care of your skin.
For expert guidance on your skin’s condition, book an appointment today with one of our experienced dermatologists.
