Vitiligo Specialist

Vitiligo:

Is a skin condition which involves complete loss of melanin, the primary skin pigment.  It appears to occur when immune cells destroy the cells that produce brown pigment (melanocytes).  This destruction is thought to be due to an acquired autoimmune problem, but the cause is unknown.  Vitiligo may appear at any age and affects about 1 out of every 100 Americans.

Although vitiligo is usually not harmful medically and causes no physical pain, its emotional the psychological effects on well-being and self-esteem can be deeply disturbing, particularly if the condition develops on visible areas of the body.

Treatment:

The XTRAC excimer laser can minimize and, in many cases, even eliminate vitiligo depigmented (white) patches.  The EXTRAC delivers a targeted beam of UVB light and only the areas of skin affected by vitiligo receive the laser energy.  Many areas can be treated in just 5 to 10 minutes which is much quicker than the duration of conventional phototherapy light sessions.  And most importantly, EXTRAC treatments achieve complete response rates faster in a higher proportion of patients.

Health Insurance: providers generally recognize the EXTRAC excimer laser treatment as a covered benefit.  If your insurance plan is not one of them, or if you need more information, our specialist can help.  Call the Kendall Office at 305-971-1210.