Yeongdeungpo-gu Dermatology Clinic: Information on Vitiligo Laser Treatment Methods and Excimer Laser Therapy

If even a little white paint splashes onto a beautifully drawn picture, the overall quality of the work drops sharply.

Vitiligo is a condition like a picture splashed with white paint.

However, many people think vitiligo is nothing more than a simple cosmetic issue.

But the changes caused by vitiligo can go beyond appearance and have a serious impact on confidence and self-esteem.

Also, if it is ignored and left untreated, white spots that were initially only the size of a fingernail can gradually spread wider over time, reaching both arms, the face, and even the backs of the hands and feet.

And this can become even more burdensome during the summer, when more skin is exposed.

In addition, people may end up insisting on wearing long sleeves and long pants to hide the symptoms, which can place major restrictions on daily life.

Today, we would like to share information that may be helpful for those suffering from these vitiligo symptoms at a Yeongdeungpo-gu dermatology clinic.

• Today’s column outline -

1. The relationship between vitiligo and the immune system
2. Differences between segmental vitiligo and non-segmental vitiligo
3. Vitiligo excimer laser treatment

Relationship between vitiligo and the immune system

Vitiligo is a skin condition in which color is lost in various parts of the skin.

It is closely related to melanocytes in the body.

Melanocytes produce pigment, distribute pigment to nearby cells, and play a role in giving the skin an even tone.

However, when an autoimmune reaction occurs, the body’s immune system mistakes melanocytes for outside invaders and attacks them, causing noticeable loss of color in various areas of the skin.

But that is not all.

Autoimmune reactions are intertwined with many different factors.

In particular, stress can confuse the immune system and may be a cause of vitiligo triggered by autoimmune reactions.

In addition, pressure on the skin and repeated friction can also trigger vitiligo on otherwise healthy skin. This is called the Koebner phenomenon.

Lastly, sunlight is also a double-edged sword.

Moderate ultraviolet exposure may help regulate skin inflammation, but too much ultraviolet exposure can overload melanocytes and ultimately lead to their loss.

Do vitiligo types exist too?

Many people think of vitiligo as just “a disease that causes white spots,” but in fact, vitiligo is broadly divided into two types.

These are segmental vitiligo and non-segmental vitiligo.

First, segmental vitiligo is characterized by appearing locally on one side of the skin.

In fact, because it occurs along a nerve distribution area, it often appears only on one arm or leg on one side of the body.

It usually appears at a young age, comes on suddenly, and is characterized by staying in a certain area without expanding.

On the other hand, non-segmental vitiligo can occur in any part of the body, and as time passes, the affected area can rapidly expand and invade the whole body.

In addition, it may appear together with autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disease, diabetes, and rheumatism.

Vitiligo: how should it be treated?

Depending on the type of symptoms, vitiligo can become wider, deeper, and more stubborn over time.

That is why it is best to respond appropriately at an early stage when symptoms appear.

The excimer laser introduced today uses special ultraviolet light at a wavelength of 308 nm to stimulate melanocytes and regulate immune responses.

Simply put, you can think of it as a method that uses light stimulation to awaken melanocytes that have been asleep.

As a result, pigment can be gradually re-formed in various parts of the skin, and the depigmented areas may slowly regain their color.

In addition, because the light is directed only to the areas with white spots, it has the advantage of having little effect on the surrounding healthy skin.

However, excimer laser therapy is still a treatment that uses light, so excessive exposure can instead cause skin irritation or burns.

Therefore, it must be performed under the diagnosis and treatment plan of medical professionals.

Vitiligo is a condition that appears on the skin, but its marks seep deep into the heart.

Even if it seems like nothing to others, for the person affected it can be something that makes even ordinary daily life difficult.

But vitiligo is not a disease that is difficult to treat.

Today’s treatments continue to advance and improve steadily.

So rather than giving up on treatment with the thought that “it will be hard to treat,” we hope you will actively plan for treatment.

We hope this Yeongdeungpo-gu dermatology clinic column has been of some help to vitiligo patients.

If you have any questions beyond the content above, please leave them in the comments below.

We will kindly answer them at the Yeongdeungpo-gu dermatology clinic. Thank you.

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