Key Information from a Department of Skin Dermatology Clinic About Vitiligo Laser Treatment

Vitiligo, which forms white spots on the skin, is like a stain engraved on a finished painting.

This condition does not cause significant pain or itching, but it has the characteristic of potentially having a major impact on appearance.

In addition, if symptoms appear on highly exposed areas such as the face, backs of the hands, around the mouth, arms, or legs, concerns about appearance can feel even greater.

However, many people think of vitiligo as a refractory skin condition and do not easily plan treatment.

Of course, it is natural to worry that “treatment will be difficult.”

Still, like any other skin condition, vitiligo can show sufficient improvement with systematic treatment and consistent care.

Therefore, if white patches appear on different parts of the skin, it is best not to take them lightly and to actively plan treatment.

Today, the Department of Skin Dermatology Clinic will clearly explain what causes vitiligo, how it should be managed, and how it is treated.

-Today’s column order-

1. Information on the causes of vitiligo
2. How to prevent and manage vitiligo
3. Vitiligo excimer laser

About the causes of vitiligo

Simply put, vitiligo is a phenomenon that occurs when the cells responsible for skin color disappear.

The name of these cells is melanocytes.

Melanocytes form pigment and distribute that pigment to each skin cell.

Through this process, an even skin tone can be maintained.

However, when an autoimmune response occurs in the body, various changes can happen throughout the skin.

Autoimmunity, in simple terms, is a phenomenon in which the immune system, which should fight external harmful substances, attacks melanocytes.

When this happens, the skin color in certain areas disappears, and the overall skin tone can become patchy.

Once melanocytes are destroyed, they are difficult to naturally regenerate, and in the case of non-segmental vitiligo, symptoms may gradually worsen over time and spread across the entire body, so caution is needed.

How can you prevent and manage vitiligo?

Depending on our daily habits, it may be possible to slow the progression of vitiligo and prevent it from worsening.

As mentioned earlier, vitiligo develops due to an autoimmune response.

And autoimmune responses are known to be closely related to psychological stress.

Therefore, it may be advisable to manage stress through sufficient rest and hobbies.

In addition, since vitiligo-affected skin is more sensitive to ultraviolet rays, it is good to apply sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher carefully.

Vitiligo also often occurs due to the Koebner phenomenon.

In other words, minor friction or injury can become a new trigger point for vitiligo.

Therefore, it is best to avoid wearing tight underwear or belts, and to pay attention at all times so that small irritations are not applied to the skin.

Information on vitiligo excimer laser treatment

Now, let’s talk about excimer laser treatment, one of the treatment methods for vitiligo.

Excimer laser treatment is a method that uses a specific wavelength, carried out with 308nm ultraviolet light.

Through this, melanocytes can be reactivated, the regeneration of remaining cells can be induced, and inflammation and immune responses can be controlled, allowing for the expected recovery of clearly defined white patches.

In addition, because it uses high-intensity light, the treatment period may be somewhat shorter.

Moreover, since the irradiation range of the laser can be adjusted widely, the lesion area can be precisely targeted, and it has the advantage of having little effect on the surrounding normal skin tissue.

However, skin color does not return after one or two laser sessions.

To expect satisfactory results from excimer laser treatment, a consistent plan is necessary, so please keep this in mind while proceeding with treatment.

Vitiligo begins with small changes on the skin.

But those changes do not remain only on the surface.

They can have a major impact on a person’s mental state, self-esteem, and pride.

This is why it is necessary to make an active treatment plan.

With consistent treatment, vitiligo can show improvement.

However, if treatment is applied uniformly without closely understanding the patient’s skin condition, the severity and type of symptoms, the expected effect may be minimal, and various secondary problems can arise.

Vitiligo is a condition that requires a customized treatment plan for each patient.

So you should visit a clinic that secures enough consultation time to carefully examine as many factors as possible.

I hope this column from the Department of Skin Dermatology Clinic has been of some help to patients with vitiligo, and I will end here.

Thank you for reading the Department of Skin Dermatology Clinic post to the end.

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