Vitiligo is a chronic dermatologic disorder that causes depigmentation of patches of skin. It occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, are destroyed. The precise cause of vitiligo is complex and not yet fully understood. There is some evidence suggesting it is caused by a combination of autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors.
The population incidence worldwide is considered to be between 1% and 2%. The disorder affects all racial/ethnic groups equally. Patients with vitiligo are at increased risk for developing other autoimmune disorders, particularly thyroid conditions. 25% of all vitiligo patients are children.
Therapies for vitiligo include: topical steroids, immunomodulators (i.e. Protopic or Elidel), narrowband UVB phototherapy, targeted phototherapy, excimer laser & autologous grafting procedures.
The cause of vitiligo is not known, but treatments can be found at Dr. Pearl Grimes’ clinic in Los Angeles, California. Therapy for vitiligo is aimed to restore natural skin color by restoring melanocytes on the skin. When its melanocytes become re-pigmented, the skin will recover normal immune or inflammatory functions, leading to an improvement of natural skin color and appearance.
Dr. Grimes will evaluate your condition and provide a personalized treatment plan for vitiligo. Please contact out office to set up an appointment.
Download Dr. Grimes’ article “Vitiligo: Pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnoses” below to read more about vitiligo and how it is diagnosed.
