Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition that affects up to 2.8 million Americans. The condition is often misunderstood, despite the number of people affected, and misguided information about vitiligo often causes delays in treatment.
At Balcones Dermatology and Aesthetics, comprehensive skin evaluations are available to diagnose or rule out vitiligo.
Board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore, MD, FAAD, specializes in the latest therapies to manage long-term vitiligo-related skin changes.
Dr. Bushore also values the importance of education in minimizing the associated issues with vitiligo. Here we outline some common myths and facts about vitiligo to help you better understand your or your loved one’s diagnosis.
Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the loss of skin pigmentation (melanocytes) in certain areas of the body. Melanocytes are what give your skin, eyes, and hair their color.
A hallmark sign of vitiligo is milky-white patches that develop on the skin, usually on the hands, face, arms, and other sun-exposed areas. Discoloration can also affect the scalp and lead to premature whitening or graying of the hair, eyelashes, and even facial hair.
Vitiligo patches can appear in small patches on the body, but some people experience widespread pigment loss.
With a proper diagnosis and treatment, vitiligo is manageable.
Here are some notable myths and facts about vitiligo to know:
FACT: A common misconception about vitiligo is that it can spread from person to person. The reality is that vitiligo isn’t a virus or bacterial infection. It’s an autoimmune disorder that develops when a person’s immune system attacks the pigment-producing cells in the skin.
The root cause of vitiligo isn’t well understood, but risk factors for this type of autoimmune condition include genetics and environmental factors.
FACT: Indeed, vitiligo isn’t a life-threatening medical issue, but the condition can still carry a heavy emotional and psychological toll. The changes in your skin’s appearance can affect your quality of life and self-esteem. Physically, vitiligo can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore, MD, FAAD, offers comprehensive care for people with vitiligo, including treatments like topical medications and light-based therapies like narrow band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) phototherapy. You may also be a candidate for treatments that target and suppress the immune system.
FACT: Vitiligo can develop in people with all skin types, tones, and textures. However, the discoloration may be more noticeable in those with darker skin.
Ideally, you should schedule a skin evaluation at Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics as soon as you notice any changes in your skin’s pigmentation.
Board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore, MD, FAAD, offers personalized treatments, educational resources, and referrals to counselors if you need help coping with a vitiligo diagnosis.
Call Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics in Austin, Texas, today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for vitiligo symptoms. You can also book an appointment online.
