Imagine waking up one day and noticing that a small patch of your skin is fading in color. You might think nothing of it until that patch gets larger – and more patches follow.
During an online search of your symptoms, you discover a funny sounding word called, ‘vitiligo.’ You read about the condition and are relieved to learn that it isn’t painful and doesn’t present a health danger.
But still, you’re worried. What should you do?
“The first thing you should do is see a doctor experienced in treating skin conditions and receive a proper diagnosis,” said Richard Price, M.D. of Price Skincare Clinic of Madison-Ridgeland, MS. “Next, if you are diagnosed with vitiligo you should know that the condition is more common than you think and there are ways you can mask the condition so that you can be more comfortable with your appearance.”
If you come to Price Skincare Clinic, Dr. Price and his team will help you understand vitiligo, teach you how to live with the condition and even look at treatment options.
“Often, just having someone to talk to about your condition, understanding its cause and symptoms and what to expect relieves fears and concerns patients have,” said Dr. Price.
Here are some questions about vitiligo that Dr. Price and his team are often asked:
What is vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a skin disease caused by the loss of melanocytes, which are the cells that give color (pigment) to the skin.
What are the symptoms of vitiligo?
The tell-tale signs of vitiligo include the loss of skin color in the form of white patches of skin on the body.
The condition can be localized in one area of the body or it can spread to several different areas including the mucous membranes (inside the mouth and nose) as well as the eye. Patches may appear on hands, feet, arms, face and lips as well as other parts of the body.
What causes vitiligo?
No one really knows what destroys the melanocyte cells although many health experts believe that it is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks and destroys these cells. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for vitiligo.
Who is most at risk for vitiligo?
• Vitiligo may also be associated with other medical conditions such as thyroid dysfunction.
• Although vitiligo is more noticeable in those with dark skin, the condition affects all races and both sexes equally.
• The disease tends to run in families, which means that it may be genetic.
• Most who contract vitiligo will do so before the age of 40 while about half develop it before the age of 20.
The XTRAC Laser & Vitiligo
One of the most promising treatment options Price Skincare offers those with vitiligo is a new XTRAC laser therapy, which can reduce the severity of the condition.
“XTRAC can minimize and, in many cases, even eliminate patches of skin depigmented by vitiligo.” said Richard Price, M.D. of Price Skin Care Clinic in Ridgeland, Mississippi. “XTRAC treatments are quick, painless, and produce significant improvement for these conditions.”
For more information about treatment for vitiligo, schedule an appointment with Dr. Price: (601) 992-3996
Other posts you might be interested in:
Price Skin Care Offers New XTRAC Laser Treatment for Psoriasis and Vitiligo