If you are in the Schaumburg or Hoffman Estates area and are suffering from the emotional or social problems associated with vitiligo, consider the treatment options available from Schaumburg Dermatology. We treat this skin disorder with both prescriptions, topical and ultraviolet therapies.
What is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a disorder where the skin loses pigment and white patches form. It can occur anywhere on the body and often affects people in multiple locations. Vitiligo is caused by the destruction of melanocytes, cells that form pigment. Why these cells are destroyed is still unknown, but one possibility is that the cells are destroyed by the immune system. Vitiligo can affect people of all races, but it is more evident in those with darker skin.
Risk Factors
An estimated two percent of the population suffers from this condition. Here are a few of the trends we have found among those who suffer from vitiligo:
- Most of those affected by vitiligo will be diagnosed between 10 and 30 years old.
- Men and women are equally likely to develop this skin disorder, which may run in families.
- A person’s risk of vitiligo increases if they have a family history of the condition or premature graying hair.
- Autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can also increase a person’s risk.
Symptoms
Symptoms of vitiligo include the loss of pigment in multiple areas of the skin, which is often quite rapid. After the initial loss of pigment, the condition may not progress for some time. It often occurs when the skin is exposed to the sun, where a previous injury happened, in body folds, or surrounding moles. Pigment generally does not return after the white patches develop.
Vitiligo Treatment
Although vitiligo cannot be cured as of yet, the use of corticosteroid creams and UV light therapy can help improve the appearance of skin that has severe vitiligo. Vitiligo treatment pricing can vary based on severity, location, and other factors. Call Schaumburg Dermatology at (847) 534-5507 or contact us on our appointment page for more information about your treatment options.
Dr. Prashant Singri and Dr. Nimisha Singri of Schaumburg Dermatology are both members of ASLMS and provide a thorough consultation in which all cosmetic skin issues will be evaluated. The patient will be provided with the best possible treatment or combination of treatments for their case at the consultation.