Facial Vitiligo Treatment Clinic: The Principles of Excimer Laser and Expected Effects

Our skin maintains an even skin tone through the distribution of melanin.

Melanin extends to various skin cells and plays a role in delivering pigment.

However, when there is a problem with melanin, noticeable depigmentation can occur in various parts of the skin.

Vitiligo is a skin condition that forms clearly defined "white patches."

It also tends to occur more often on exposed areas such as the face, neck, and hands.

In addition, if symptoms develop in exposed areas, they can cause severe stress due to cosmetic concerns.

If these symptoms are simply endured and left untreated, they may gradually worsen and eventually spread across the entire body.

Therefore, if "white patches" begin to appear on certain areas of the skin, it may be advisable to plan treatment before it becomes too late.

In the following article, we will cover the causes and treatment methods of vitiligo in detail, so please read to the end and take away some useful information.

-Facial Vitiligo Treatment Clinic Column Outline-

1. Symptoms that may suggest vitiligo

2. Causes of vitiligo

3. Treatment methods for vitiligo

Symptoms by type of vitiligo

At first glance, all vitiligo may look similar, but in fact it can be divided into many different types depending on the symptoms.

Vitiligo is broadly divided into segmental vitiligo and non-segmental vitiligo.

Among these, segmental vitiligo appears along a nerve segment and symptoms are usually observed on only one side of the body.

It may also progress rapidly at first and then stop progressing after a certain period of time.

On the other hand, non-segmental vitiligo has no fixed pattern and can occur anywhere on the body.

Its symptoms may appear symmetrically on both sides, and as time passes, the affected area can rapidly expand until white patches cover the entire body.

It can even spread to the fingertips and toes, leading to acrofacial vitiligo.

This is why early treatment for vitiligo is important.

What causes vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a skin condition in which the melanocytes that determine skin color disappear, causing white patches on the skin.

In most cases, this occurs due to an overreaction of the body's immune system.

More specifically, it can be understood as a situation in which the immune system, which should be attacking viruses or bacteria, instead attacks melanocytes that were functioning properly.

In addition, ultraviolet rays can also be a cause of vitiligo and can worsen it.

In particular, prolonged exposure to strong sunlight can damage melanin, resulting in noticeable white patches.

Furthermore, chemicals and frequent skin friction or trauma can also cause vitiligo, so it is best to use cleansers with gentle ingredients and avoid wearing tight clothing as much as possible.

What are the treatment methods for vitiligo?

Phototherapy can be applied to vitiligo.

Phototherapy is classified in many different ways depending on the wavelength used and the treatment principle. The excimer laser treatment we will explain today is characterized by using light with a wavelength of 308 nm.

This energy stimulates melanocytes and helps regulate an excessive immune response, allowing the white patches caused by vitiligo to gradually fade.

Also, because no separate surgical procedure is performed, it does not require a long recovery period and has the advantage of allowing an immediate return to daily life.

In addition, the range of laser energy exposure can be adjusted broadly, and because light of a specific wavelength targets only abnormal melanin, its impact on surrounding normal skin tissue may be limited.

In short, stable results can be expected.

However, if treatment is carried out blindly without carefully checking the patient's skin condition, the skin may sustain greater or lesser damage, leading to unexpected side effects.

Therefore, it would be advisable to plan treatment only after a thorough skin examination.

Once melanocytes are lost, they do not naturally regenerate.

In addition, as time passes, the rate of cell loss may gradually become faster.

Therefore, it may be advisable to plan treatment as early as possible.

However, vitiligo is not a condition that improves overnight.

Vitiligo is a skin condition that requires consistent treatment and management, so please establish a long-term, systematic plan.

I hope this column from the facial vitiligo treatment clinic has been helpful to those who are feeling stressed about white patches located in various parts of the skin.

If you have any questions beyond the information above, please ask in the comments below.

We will kindly answer at the facial vitiligo treatment clinic. Thank you.

| This post was written for informational purposes in compliance with Article 56, Paragraphs 1 to 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 experienced medical staff before making a decision. |