Sin-do-rym Station Dermatology: Here’s How Vitiligo Laser Treatment Is Performed

When a small white spot suddenly appears on the skin, many people tend to think, “Is it just because my skin is dry?” and not take it seriously.

However, as time passes, if the border of the spot becomes more distinct and it gradually spreads, it may be necessary to suspect vitiligo rather than a simple skin-tone issue.

Vitiligo refers to a chronic skin condition in which white spots appear on the skin as melanocytes, which determine skin color, disappear.

As with other skin conditions, vitiligo is especially noticeable because the skin color becomes uneven.

So when symptoms appear, it can lead not only to cosmetic discomfort, but also to reduced confidence and social stress.

Therefore, early diagnosis and the right treatment for you are more important than anything else.

In the article that follows, I will explain in detail how vitiligo is diagnosed, as well as treatment and precautions.

-Column order for Sin-do-rym Station vitiligo dermatology-

1. How vitiligo is diagnosed

2. The principle of excimer laser treatment

3. Vitiligo treatment period and precautions

How is vitiligo diagnosed?

Vitiligo does not itch or hurt, and it is not accompanied by scaling or oozing.

So it is easy to think it is simply dry skin or that you got a little too much sun.

To diagnose this condition, a Wood’s lamp examination is needed.

In a Wood’s lamp exam, when ultraviolet light is shone on the lesion in a dark examination room, the vitiligo area appears as a blue fluorescent glow and can be distinguished from normal skin.

If needed, a small skin sample can also be taken to check the melanocytes directly.

As such, it is important to carefully check the lesion area, the degree of progression, and the treatment plan together with a specialist.

If vitiligo is diagnosed and managed early, the rate of progression can be slowed, and it can be managed effectively.

How is excimer laser treatment for vitiligo performed?

A commonly used treatment for vitiligo is the excimer laser.

This treatment works by irradiating the lesion area with ultraviolet light at a specific wavelength of 308 mm, stimulating melanocytes and inducing pigment repigmentation.

The excimer laser allows the irradiation area to be finely adjusted to fit the lesion, minimizing its effect on the surrounding normal skin.

Thanks to this, a safer and more stable treatment effect can be expected.

However, if the laser intensity is increased too much or the treatment is performed too frequently, the skin may receive irritation similar to sunburn, so careful adjustment according to the patient’s condition is essential.

Also, after treatment, it is important to protect the skin with consistent sun protection and prevent recurrence or additional damage.

What precautions should be taken during vitiligo treatment?

As such, excimer laser treatment has several advantages.

However, there are also precautions. The precautions for vitiligo treatment are as follows.

First, the expected effect appears gradually.

Excimer laser treatment is not something that works immediately after just one session.

So it must be repeated consistently before you can expect the white spots to fade and the skin tone to become more even.

Therefore, if treatment is started early, you may be able to expect skin improvement to appear a little sooner.

Second, sun protection is essential.

After laser treatment, the skin becomes more sensitive to external irritation, so you must apply sunscreen carefully not only on the day of treatment but throughout the entire treatment period.

Sun exposure can cause recurrence of symptoms or skin damage, so you must also pay close attention to UV protection.

Third, regular follow-up is important.

The number of vitiligo treatments and the interval between them may vary depending on the patient’s skin condition.

So please visit the clinic regularly to check your current skin condition and receive guidance on the number of treatments and the treatment interval.

Finally, vitiligo is not simply a problem of skin color changing; it is a condition that can also affect confidence and social life.

Fortunately, if it is diagnosed early and managed consistently with a specialist, meaningful improvement can be expected, so if you notice even a small spot on your body, do not ignore it and make an early diagnosis and treatment plan.

I hope the information shared today about vitiligo diagnosis, excimer laser treatment, and precautions has been helpful to you.

If you have any questions beyond what was covered today, please leave them in the comments below.

I will answer kindly. 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 a risk of side effects and complications depending on the individual. Before treatment, be sure to have a 충분한 consultation with medical staff with extensive experience before making a decision. |