Affecting about 1% of people across the globe, vitiligo can occur anywhere on the body.
The best vitiligo specialist in Maryland wants you to get to know your condition and understand there is help!
This Is Vitiligo Is
Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by the loss of skin pigmentation, or color. This condition occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment, are destroyed or stop functioning. It is believed to be caused by a combination of autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors.
You Can Have a Good Quality of Life Living With Vitiligo
Living with vitiligo can be challenging, but support from doctors, family, and support groups can greatly help in managing the condition. Education about the condition can reduce stigma and enhance understanding of the condition by those around you.
There Are Vitiligo Treatment Options
There are treatment options available for vitiligo, although none of them are a cure. Finding a skincare routine that includes protective measures and allows for consistent treatment helps manage the condition.
Additionally, your dermatologist may recommend:
- Topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or other medications
- Phototherapy/light therapy using ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) rays
- Depigmentation or surgery, in severe cases
These treatments aim to either repigment the affected skin or depigment the remaining skin to achieve a more uniform appearance. In some cases, they may help slow or stop the progression of the condition.
You Should Ask Questions During Your Visit
Asking the right questions during your appointment ensures that you have a clear understanding of your condition and the available treatment options.
Some important questions to ask your dermatologist about vitiligo include:
- What type of vitiligo do I have?
- What are the treatment options available?
- What are the risks and/or side effects of each treatment?
- How long will it take to see results from the chosen treatment?
- Are there any lifestyle changes or home remedies that may help manage vitiligo?
- Can you provide references or success stories from previous vitiligo patients you have treated?
- What ongoing care will be required to manage my vitiligo?
You Need to Choose the Best Vitiligo Specialist in Maryland for Great Care
When choosing a provider for care, it is important to find a dermatologist who has vitiligo expertise, with plenty of experience treating this condition.
Choose a specialist who has a track record of successfully managing vitiligo and who stays current with the latest treatment options and research developments. They should offer a range of options to manage your condition and provide a customized treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
If You Have This Condition, Don’t Do These Four Things
Your dermatologist will likely have you avoid certain behaviors and practices if you have vitiligo in order to prevent further damage to the skin and to minimize the appearance of depigmented areas.
Some things to avoid if you have vitiligo include:
- Prolonged sun exposure without protection, as this can lead to sunburn and further depigmentation
- Using harsh chemicals or abrasive exfoliants on the affected skin, as this can cause irritation and damage
- Getting tattoos or permanent makeup to cover up depigmented areas, as this can lead to further skin trauma and potential complications
- Application of home remedies without medical advice, as they can do more harm than good
Turn to Visage for Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology so Your Skin Looks Its Healthiest
Your search for the best vitiligo specialist in Maryland is over now that you’ve found our practice! Our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. St. Surin-Lord, specializes in vitiligo and other less common skin conditions that affect the way you look and feel.
Call us today at 301-358-3304 to improve your skin and reclaim self-esteem that has been lost from vitiligo!