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Managing Your Vitiligo at Arlington Dermatology

Feb 10, 2023

 

Have you noticed patches of skin discoloration on your body? It may be hard to understand what is going on, but the answer could be something called Vitiligo. This condition affects about 1% of the global population and is not contagious or threatening. While there is no known cure for Vitiligo, Arlington Dermatology can help you manage it. Let’s examine what causes Vitiligo and how Arlington Dermatology can help.

 

What is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a long-term skin condition in which white patches appear on the skin due to loss of pigment. Although anyone can develop this condition, it most commonly occurs in people with certain autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disease or alopecia areata. It usually begins with a single patch that spreads over time until it reaches a certain size and shape. The progression of the disease is different for everyone, but typically changes in color will continue to occur over time without treatment.

 

Signs & Symptoms

Vitiligo typically starts with small white patches on the skin that gradually increase in size as time passes. These white patches may look like burns or scars but do not itch or hurt in any way; however, they are cosmetically noticeable which can lead to self-esteem issues for some people. The most affected areas include the face, hands, wrists, arms, armpits, elbows, knees, chest, and abdomen areas as well as around body openings such as eyes, nostrils, and the mouth area.

 

When to See a Doctor

If you notice any signs or symptoms commonly associated with vitiligo, such as patchy discoloration or loss of pigmentation in certain areas of your skin, then it’s important to see a doctor right away to get an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment plan put in place. At Arlington Dermatology we have experienced professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating all forms of Vitiligo so don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re concerned about your skin health!

 

How Can Arlington Dermatology Help?

Although there is no known cure for vitiligo, there are several treatments available that have proven successful in managing it. At Arlington Dermatology, we offer light therapy and medications, narrow band ultraviolet B, or PUVA (UVA light) treatments. Additionally, our team offers dietary and lifestyle advice to help minimize symptoms associated with vitiligo—like providing tips on how to best protect your skin from sun exposure since sunburns can further irritate vitiligo patches—and provide emotional support to ensure that our patients feel supported throughout their journey with us.

 

Contact the Team at Arlington Dermatology Today!

Vitiligo can be frustrating and hard to deal with but know that you are not alone! With proper management from a team like ours here at Arlington Dermatology, you will have access to personalized treatments designed specifically for your needs and lifestyle so you can get back to feeling confident about your skin’s appearance again. Our experienced dermatologists are here every step of the way—from diagnosis through treatment—to make sure you get the best care possible, so your life isn’t disrupted by this condition any longer than necessary. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you manage your vitiligo!