Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a condition that affects approximately one percent of the world’s population, with approximately five million Americans dealing with this skin disorder. It is characterized by white spots on the skin caused by the loss of melanocytes. It can affect any area of the skin, but most commonly, it affects the face, the hands and fingers, and the genital area.

Although the actual cause of vitiligo is undetermined, it is believed to be a combination of immunological and genetic factors.

The condition is more of a cosmetic concern than a medical concern. Many patients are embarrassed by the appearance of their vitiligo. Treatment is often difficult, but we have had success in many cases with simple topical medication or, if this fails, we are often successful with narrow band UVB light or Excimer laser therapy, available in very few other treatment centers in the Bay Area.