Vitiligo is a medical condition that causes the skin to lose its natural pigment, resulting in white blotches on various areas of the body. Individuals with this skin disorder have an increased risk of sunburn, vision problems, and psychological distress. Fortunately, treatment options are available that may restore your natural skin color. After making an appointment with your dermatologist, read below for an in-depth look at this skin condition. 

What Causes Vitiligo?

When pigment-producing cells in the body stop producing melanin, the result is vitiligo. Individuals who suffer from at least one other autoimmune disorder, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, have an increased risk of developing the skin condition. Those who have a lot of stress, severe sunburns or exposure to toxins are also more likely to get diagnosed with the condition. 

What Are the Symptoms of Vitiligo?

The key symptom of this condition is white patches all over the skin. These patches appear anywhere from the face to the hands and are more noticeable on individuals with darker skin. The condition can also cause premature graying on the hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows, and change in color of the retina. If you’re unsure whether you have the condition, a dermatologist can diagnose it and provide treatment options to help you relieve your symptoms. 

What Types of Vitiligo Treatment Options Are Available?

There are several treatment options that can help you regain your skin color, including oral medications, topical creams, light therapy, and skin grafting. The type of treatment your dermatologist recommends may depend on a few factors, like the severity of your condition, the number of patches you have, and the location of your patches. It may take months to see results from these treatments, so it’s important to be patient. Your dermatologist may also suggest several treatments before you see an improvement in your skin.

If you are searching for an effective vitiligo treatment, turn to the experienced dermatologists at Heibel Dermatology in Lincoln, NE. Dr. Mark D. Heibel has more than 20 years of experience in the dermatology field and knows how to treat a variety of different skin conditions, including vitiligo, eczema, acne, and dermatitis. He puts his customers first and offers early morning appointments twice a week and noon appointments once a week to accommodate your busy schedule. To schedule an appointment, call (402) 488-6969 or visit his website for more information about his services.