Vitiligo is a chronic dermatologic disorder that causes depigmentation of patches of skin. It occurs when the melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, are destroyed. The precise cause of vitiligo is complex and not yet fully understood. There is some evidence suggesting it is caused by a combination of autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors. The population incidence worldwide is considered to be between 1% and 2%.The disorder affects all racial/ethnic groups equally. Patients with vitiligo are at increased risk for developing other autoimmune disorders, particularly thyroid conditions. 25% of all vitiligo patients are children. Therapies for vitiligo include: topical steroids, immunomodulators (i.e. Protopic or Elidel), narrow band UVB phototherapy, targeted phototherapy, excimer laser & autologous grafting procedures.
The cause of vitiligo is not known, but treatments can be found at Dr. Searles’ Edmonton office. Therapy for vitiligo is aimed to restore natural skin colour by restoring melanocytes on the skin. When skin with melanocytes becomes re-pigmented, the skin will recover normal immune or inflammatory functions. This leads to an improvement of natural skin colour and appearance.
Dr. Searles will evaluate your condition and provide a personalized treatment plan for vitiligo. Please contact out office to set up an appointment.