Vitiligo affects up to 2% of the population, and it is estimated that two to
five million Americans have the condition. In most cases, vitiligo develops
early in life, between the ages of 10 and 30 years. Ninety-five percent of those
affected will develop the disorder before age 40. Both men and women are equally
likely to develop vitiligo. Vitiligo may run in families; those with a family
history of vitiligo or premature graying of the hair are at increased risk for
the development of vitiligo. Other risk factors that increase one's chances of
developing vitiligo include having autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune
thyroid disease (Hashimoto's thyroiditis).
Vitiligo is difficult to treat. Early treatment options include the following:Phototherapy, a medical procedure in which your skin is carefully exposed to ultraviolet light. Phototherapy may be given alone, or after you take a drug that makes your skin sensitive to light. A dermatologist performs this treatment.
Certain lasers may help the skin repigment.
Medicines applied to the skin, such as corticosteroid creams or ointments, immunosuppressant creams or ointments such as pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic), or topical drugs such as methoxsalen (Oxsoralen) may also help.
Skin may be moved (grafted) from normally pigmented areas and placed onto areas where there is pigment loss.Several cover-up makeups or skin dyes can mask vitiligo. Ask your provider for the names of these products.In extreme cases when most of the body is affected, the remaining skin that still has pigment may be depigmented. This is a permanent change that is used as a last option.
Learn more Chinese Medicine Treatment For Vitiligo
Vitiligo is difficult to treat. Early treatment options include the following:Phototherapy, a medical procedure in which your skin is carefully exposed to ultraviolet light. Phototherapy may be given alone, or after you take a drug that makes your skin sensitive to light. A dermatologist performs this treatment.
Certain lasers may help the skin repigment.
Medicines applied to the skin, such as corticosteroid creams or ointments, immunosuppressant creams or ointments such as pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic), or topical drugs such as methoxsalen (Oxsoralen) may also help.
Skin may be moved (grafted) from normally pigmented areas and placed onto areas where there is pigment loss.Several cover-up makeups or skin dyes can mask vitiligo. Ask your provider for the names of these products.In extreme cases when most of the body is affected, the remaining skin that still has pigment may be depigmented. This is a permanent change that is used as a last option.
Learn more Chinese Medicine Treatment For Vitiligo
