Vitiligo is not a very common skin condition. However, patients struggle to find effective treatments. We understand the frustration of dealing with vitiligo. At the Trillium Clinic, our solutions are designed to address vitiligo at its cause, helping your skin heal and evening the natural tone of your skin. Begin your advanced vitiligo treatments, and restore your skin pigment today.
What is Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes patches of the skin to lose its color, resulting in white or light-colored patches. It occurs when melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment called melanin, which gives color to the skin, are destroyed or stop functioning properly.
What Causes Vitiligo
The exact cause of vitiligo is not fully understood, but it is believed to be an autoimmune condition, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) in the skin.
How is Vitiligo treated
There are a few different treatments available for vitiligo, but it’s important to note that there is no known cure. Also, always remember that the effectiveness of treatments for vitiligo can vary from person to person, and results are not guaranteed. Here are some of the treatment options:
Topical corticosteroids: These are creams or ointments that can be applied to the affected areas to help reduce inflammation and promote repigmentation.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors: Similar to corticosteroids, these medications can be applied topically to help reduce inflammation and encourage repigmentation.
Phototherapy: This involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light, either through natural sunlight or artificial light sources, to stimulate repigmentation.
Depigmentation: In cases where vitiligo affects a large portion of the body, some individuals may opt for depigmentation. This involves using topical creams to lighten the remaining pigmented areas of the skin to achieve a more uniform appearance.
JAK inhibition: Inhibiting Janus kinases (JAK) is an emerging treatment approach for vitiligo that shows promise in promoting repigmentation of the skin. JAKs are involved in the immune response and inflammation. In vitiligo, it is believed that the immune system attacks and destroys the melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) in the skin, leading to depigmentation. JAK inhibitors work by blocking the activity of these enzymes, which helps modulate the immune response and potentially halt the destruction of melanocytes. Recent studies have shown that certain JAK inhibitors, such as tofacitinib and ruxolitinib, when taken orally, or applied topically, can lead to repigmentation in some people with vitiligo.
Embark on your journey to radiant skin
Vitiligo treatment plans may vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual needs. We invite patients from Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, Pittsboro, Mebane, Durham, Burlington, Cary, and surrounding cities, who suffer from vitiligo, to schedule an appointment with us here. We will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your vitiligo and then, together, we will explore the various options so that we find the vitiligo treatment that is best suited for your specific situation.