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Vitiligo services offered in Great Neck, NY
Vitiligo, a skin condition that causes loss of pigment, can make it difficult for children to feel confident about their appearance. At TeleDerm Kidz in Great Neck, New York, Jonathan Trager, MD, offers treatment that can stop the depigmentation process and reintroduce pigment to create a more uniform skin color. Give us a call today to book a visit, or you can schedule online.
Vitiligo Q&A
How does vitiligo develop?
Vitiligo is a skin disease in which the skin stops producing pigment, which is what gives your skin its color. Researchers are still trying to determine the exact cause of vitiligo. Some studies suggest it may be due to an autoimmune condition in which the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.
Changes in a child’s DNA might also cause vitiligo. Cells called melanocytes create pigment, and genetic changes in any of the 30+ genes linked to vitiligo could be the causal factor.
It also appears that high levels of stress or environmental factors might be to blame for vitiligo.
What are some of the ways vitiligo affects children?
Vitiligo is primarily an aesthetic issue. It isn’t painful, although the areas of skin that lack pigment are more sensitive to ultraviolet rays, so protecting them from the sun is important.
For many people with vitiligo, and especially children, the most impactful part of the condition is feeling self-conscious about the appearance of their skin. This can make kids more withdrawn in social settings. Over time, isolation can lead to issues like anxiety and depression in children with vitiligo.
Can treatment help improve vitiligo?
To treat your child’s vitiligo, Dr. Trager focuses on two areas: slowing the rate of additional pigment loss and repigmentation of affected areas.
The first step is often topical medication to try to prevent additional pigment loss. There are several options to choose from, and it may take some trial and error to find the right approach. Systemic oral corticosteroid medications can be helpful in slowing the progression of the disease.
Phototherapy, or light therapy, is also an option. This approach uses light to induce immunomodulatory effects that prompt repigmentation. There are different forms of phototherapy, each with its own pros and cons.
Very often, treating vitiligo requires a combination of therapies. Dr. Trager closely monitors the way your child’s body reacts to treatment and makes adjustments as necessary.
If you have additional questions about vitiligo treatment, call TeleDerm Kidz today to schedule a consultation, or use the easy online booking tool to check appointment availability.