VITILIGO
Serving Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Grimsby and surrounding areas.
General Information:
- Vitiligo is a loss of skin pigmentation for which there is no cure.
- It can only sometimes be improved with treatment.
- The cause is not known.
- It is not due to poor diet or poor hygiene.
- It is not contagious.
General Treatment Measures:
- The white areas of the skin are extremely susceptible to burning. It is very important that you use a good quality sunscreen to protect your skin from burning.
- If your lips are involved, use a protective lip balm to protect yourself.
- Cosmetic cover-up can be effective in some cases
- Another effective camouflage is artificial tanning lotion. This is a colourless lotion that turns a golden brown after it is applied. It is used 3 to 5 times per week.
Topical Creams:
- A variety of creams are available.
- Please talk to your doctor to discuss your treatment options.
Phototherapy (Light Therapy):
- If your vitiligo is severe UVB or PUVA light treatments may be used.
- They may be effective, but carry the risk of sunburn and long term use increases the risk of skin cancer.
- These treatments are usually done 2 to 3 times per week.
- Often light therapy has to be continued for 6 months or more and less than 25% of people will get significant improvement
- Light therapy works best for vitiligo on the trunk and is least effective for the hands and feet.
Oral Therapy (Pills):
- Unfortunately there is no oral therapy that works for vitiligo.