Vitiligo
Vitiligo has affected an estimated 1-2 million Americans and while there is no cure, vitiligo can be treated. Vitiligo is a condition in which pigment-producing cells in the skin and hair disappear. Visible patches of light skin and hair will occur.
Symptoms
The exact cause is unknown however it does run in some families. It is thought as an “auto-immune” disease which is believed that normal pigment cells of the skin have been attacked. The types of vitiligo are:
- Generalized- The most common type of vitiligo.
Skin usually loses color equally on both sides of the body. Color loss can affect the arms and legs, including the hands, fingertips, feet and also around the eyes or mouth. In the beginning, color loss may be rapid. This is often followed by a period of little or no color loss. - Localized- Also called segmental vitiligo, this type causes color loss on one part or segment of the skin.
Hair color may also be lost in the involved area. Often, a patch of hair on the head, an eyelash or eyebrow turns white. Color loss often occurs for a year or two, and then stops. - Acrofacial- Color loss occurs only on the head, hands and feet.
- Universal- Color loss occurs on most of the body.
Treatment
There is no cure for vitiligo. A person who has vitiligo will live with the condition for the remainder of their life. However, changes in pigmentation may be reversed or corrected. Types of treatment options to restore pigment to the skin include:
- Corticosteroids
- Topical medicines
- XTRAC light therapy
- Laser therapy
- Cosmetic products
Meet our Medical Providers
- Robert H. Huff, MD, FAAD Avon, Lebanon
- Ryan K. Brashear, MD, FAAD Greenwood
- Christopher M. Bohyer, MD, FAAD Greenwood, New Castle
- John B. Stephens, MD, FAAD Fishers, Greencastle, Hazel Dell
- Alison Launhardt, MD, FAAD Carmel, Tipton
- Kathleen Hanover, MD, FAAD Carmel, Fishers
- Lisa Trivedi, MD, FAAD Carmel
- Janelle M. Tabet, PA-C Greenwood
- Cassandra (Cassie) M. Sexson, PA-C Greenwood, Shelbyville
- Andrew Burns, PA-C Greencastle, Hazel Dell
- Stephanie Burns, PA-C Greenwood, New Castle
- Michaela Wehr, PA-C Avon, Lebanon
- Samantha Kitcoff, PA-C Fishers
- Christina Raynor, FNP-C Avon