Recommended Dermatology Near Noryangjin Station: Vitiligo, Wood’s Lamp Examination / Information on Excimer Laser Treatment

An even skin tone is like a blank white sheet of paper.

Just as a picture stands out more when it is drawn on a clean, even background, an even skin tone can make our faces look healthy and vibrant.

But what if a small stain appears in the middle of that blank sheet?

Even after the picture is finished, the stain keeps standing out, and it can leave you feeling uncomfortable.

Likewise, if even one white patch appears on the skin, you may find yourself checking the mirror all day long.

Vitiligo occurs when melanocytes, the cells that produce skin color, disappear.

It can appear in many different forms, and it is characterized by having a major impact on appearance.

In particular, when vitiligo symptoms occur on highly visible areas such as the face or hands, it can place a heavy burden on how others look at you.

It can even lead to reduced confidence due to changes in appearance, psychological stress, and social avoidance.

In short, it can have a significant impact on both physical and psychological well-being.

That is why it is best not to take white patches on the skin lightly, and instead visit a clinic to plan appropriate treatment.

Today, in this article from the recommended dermatology clinic near Noryangjin Station, we will clearly explain the causes of vitiligo, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated, so please focus on reading the following sections.

-Today's article outline-

1. Causes of vitiligo and management methods

2. Vitiligo examination methods

3. Vitiligo excimer laser treatment

Why does vitiligo occur?

As mentioned at the beginning, vitiligo occurs when melanocytes, which are responsible for skin color, are lost.

There are many reasons why melanocytes are lost.

First, melanocytes are known to be closely related to autoimmune reactions.

An autoimmune reaction occurs when the immune system, which is supposed to attack external harmful substances, attacks "normal cells" that were originally functioning properly.

In particular, when melanocytes that form skin color are attacked, color can disappear from various parts of the skin.

That is why it can be helpful to reduce stress and get regular sleep so that the body can maintain a healthy immune system.

It is also good to consume enough vegetables and fruits rich in antioxidants.

In addition, patients with vitiligo may react very sensitively to ultraviolet rays, so it is important to apply sunscreen carefully over the entire body.

Also, habits such as frequently rubbing or irritating the skin can worsen vitiligo, so avoiding tight clothing or rough fabrics may be helpful.

Vitiligo: Why is a detailed examination necessary?

Vitiligo is a skin condition that forms white patches in various areas of the skin.

However, the appearance of white patches does not automatically mean that vitiligo should be suspected.

In particular, tinea versicolor and pityriasis alba can also cause white patches, so you should receive a detailed examination at a clinic and then establish a treatment plan.

First, vitiligo can be diagnosed through a Wood's lamp examination.

A Wood's lamp examination is performed by turning off the lights in the examination room and directly shining ultraviolet light equipped with a nickel oxide filter onto the lesion area.

If the lesion area shows a blue fluorescent glow, it can be identified as a white patch caused by vitiligo.

On the other hand, other conditions in which melanocytes are still alive may show different responses.

As such, a Wood's lamp examination can be very helpful in distinguishing vitiligo from other conditions, so it may be beneficial to visit a clinic that offers this examination whenever possible.

What is excimer laser treatment for vitiligo?

Different treatments may be performed depending on the severity and pattern of vitiligo.

The treatment method introduced in today's article is excimer laser treatment.

Excimer laser treatment uses a wavelength of 308 nm to control immune and inflammatory responses within the skin.

It also stimulates melanocytes and induces pigment re-formation.

As a result, white patches with clear borders gradually become less noticeable, and the skin tone can become more even.

In addition, excimer laser treatment has the advantage of allowing delicate control over the area exposed to energy, so it causes less damage to the surrounding normal skin tissue.

However, the effects expected from excimer laser treatment do not appear after just one or two sessions.

It must be performed consistently two to three times a week for more than six months before satisfying improvement in symptoms can be expected.

Also, areas such as the hands and feet may show results very slowly.

That is why it may be most important to plan treatment with enough patience.

Just because vitiligo treatment is over does not mean everything has been solved.

Treatment is only the beginning, and only by maintaining steady care and following precautions can you expect satisfying results.

Since excimer laser treatment uses specific energy, the skin can become very dry after treatment.

That is why it may be advisable to apply enough moisturizer to protect the skin more than usual.

When applying moisturizer, it is better to choose fragrance-free, low-irritation products.

And because vitiligo tends to have a relatively high recurrence rate, it is important to visit the clinic every three months and keep checking your current skin condition.

If you have any questions beyond the information shared in this recommended article from the dermatology clinic near Noryangjin Station, or if you feel that you need our help, please ask in the comment box below.

We will kindly answer.

Thank you for reading the recommended article from the dermatology clinic near Noryangjin Station all the way to the end.

| This post was written for informational purposes in compliance with Article 56, Paragraphs 1 to 15 of the Medical Service Act. All treatments carry a risk of side effects and complications depending on the individual. Before treatment, be sure to have a thorough consultation with a medical professional with extensive experience before making your decision. |