Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by the rapid loss of pigment in the skin causing light or white patches. Vitiligo can occur on any part of the body, though the face, lips, hands, arms, legs, and genital areas are commonly affected. Vitiligo can occur within patients of any skin color, though it is more visible when patients have darker skin tones. Areas of the skin affected by vitiligo are especially susceptible to sunburn and should be protected with sunscreen. There is no cure for vitiligo and skin re-pigmentation rarely occurs on its own. Topical therapies and laser / light treatments are available to promote re-pigmentation.
XTRAC laser / light therapy is one option available for treatment of vitiligo at our Fenton office location. XTRAC excimer laser treatments minimize depigmented patches of skin through the application of targeted UVB light therapy. Treatments are generally painless and do not require anesthesia. Following treatment, patients may experience a mild sunburn-like reaction. XTRAC treatments are administered in 15-30 minute appointments. Regular, repeated treatments (2-3 per week) are necessary to effectively treat vitiligo; while some patients see results is 10-15 treatments, 20-30 treatments are typically recommended for greater re-pigmentation (individual results will vary).