Vitiligo

The loss of skin color can be the first warning sign of a progressive skin condition known as vitiligo. At Kessel Dermatology, the board-certified and licensed dermatology providers specialize in diagnosing and treating vitiligo. They focus on preventing the worsening of your condition and offer advanced laser therapies and medications to restore your skin’s natural color. Call the offices servicing the Hamilton Square, Trenton, and Mercer County areas in New Jersey, to learn more about the available therapies for managing vitiligo, or book an appointment online today.  

What is vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a skin condition that affects the pigment-making cells (melanocytes) that gives your skin and hair their color.

Vitiligo results from immune system dysfunction that causes your body to mistakenly attack and destroy melanocytes. The loss of pigment cells causes a complete loss of color in areas of your skin and hair.   

You may be at increased risk for developing vitiligo if you have a family history or experience skin trauma from a severe sunburn or chemical burn. The condition most commonly develops before age 30 but can affect people of any age.

Kessel Dermatology provides on-site diagnostic evaluations and customized treatment services for vitiligo.

When should I seek medical care for vitiligo?

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Kessel Dermatology if you have symptoms of vitiligo, such as a loss of skin color or the premature whitening or graying of hair, eyelashes, or eyebrows.

While vitiligo isn’t contagious or harmful to your health, the progressive loss of skin color can negatively affect how you feel about your appearance.

The dermatologists review your personal and family medical histories and examine your skin during your consultation. They may also take a sample of skin tissue for further testing in a medical lab.

While there’s currently no cure for vitiligo, the providers can recommend treatments that slow down the progression of the condition and improve your skin’s tone.

How is vitiligo treated?

Kessel Dermatology offers several treatment strategies to treat vitiligo and protect your skin health. These strategies can restore the natural color of your skin and prevent the additional loss of skin pigments.

Medications

There are topical and oral medications available to manage vitiligo. Some can restore some of your skin’s color, and others can suppress your immune system’s reactions.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy uses narrow-band ultraviolet B (UVB) light to slow the progression of vitiligo. Many people need therapy 2-3 times a week for several months to achieve their desired treatment results.

Kessel Dermatology offers excimer laser technology to treat vitiligo and other pigmentation disorders.

Call Kessel Dermatology to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of vitiligo, or book a consultation online today.