Vitiligo Treatment Options

Vitiligo Definition: Vitiligo is a common skin disorder where white spots appear on the skin usually occurring on both sides of the body in the same location. The disease has been around for thousands of years. Vitiligo occurs in 1-2% of the population. It affects both sexes, all races and all ages.

Vitiligo Causes: In people with vitiligo, the immune cells (cells which fight infection) attack the melanocytes and kill them. When the melanocytes in a certain area die the skin turns white.Vitiligo often runs in families, therefore a genetic factor may be involved.

Vitiligo Treatment: Patients with vitiligo should use daily sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher to prevent sunburn of the white spots. PUVA light treatment is one of the few therapies that has a high success rate.

Additional Vitiligo Information: Vitiligo is a skin disease that causes permanent white spots or patches on the skin. Vitiligo affects 1 out of every 100 people.