Vitiligo is a chronic skin disorder that often makes those who have it feel embarrassed or depressed, because it is very difficult to treat. Over the years several treatment modalities have been tried, but they have not produced the positive results desired. This has left many people with the condition asking the question – Can you treat vitiligo.
What is vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a skin disorder in which the cells that normally give the skin its color are destroyed in certain areas. Melanocytes are the cells that produce melanin, which is the pigment that colors skin. The lack of melanocytes leads to the formation of irregular shaped patches of light skin onparts of the body. Vitiligo often progresses very slowly, and commonly affects the face, arms, feet, and hands.
Can you treat vitiligo?
Yes, vitiligo can be treated, and one of the most effective options is XTRAC therapy. XTRAC involves the use of an excimer laserto improve the areas of the skin where vitiligo is present.
How it works
The laser delivers beams of high intensity UVB light that selectively target the vitiligo patches, without exposure to the surrounding skin. The light is immediately absorbed by areas affected by the patches, so there is no thermal damage to the nearby healthy skin.
Anesthesia isn’t required with XTRAC Therapy, and most patients don’t feel any pain at all. Treatment takes only 30 minutes, and improvements can be seen after 3-4 treatments, but it may take up to 10 XTRAC treatments to get optimal results.
If Vitiligo is a problem for you, contact Laser Skin Care Center Dermatology Associates, Long Beach, CA, to find out more about XTRAC therapy.
Call (562) 997-1144 today to set up a consultation with one of our board certified dermatologists.