Vitiligo Treatment at Heritage Hospital

Vitiligo is a long-term skin condition characterized by the loss of pigment, leading to white patches on the skin. It occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin color, are destroyed or stop functioning. While vitiligo is not life-threatening or contagious, it can impact a person’s self-esteem and emotional well-being. At Heritage Hospital, we offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options to help manage vitiligo effectively.

Types of Vitiligo

Non-Segmental Vitiligo: The most common type, where white patches appear symmetrically on both sides of the body.
Segmental Vitiligo: Affects only one side or part of the body and usually progresses rapidly before stabilizing.
Focal Vitiligo: Small, isolated patches that do not spread significantly.
Universal Vitiligo: A rare condition where most of the body loses pigment.

Causes & Risk Factors

Although the exact cause is unknown, vitiligo is believed to be an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks melanocytes. Factors that may contribute include:

Genetic predisposition
Autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disorders
Skin trauma, burns, or excessive sun exposure
Stress and environmental triggers

Treatment Options at Heritage Hospital

At Heritage Hospital, we offer a comprehensive range of treatments tailored to each patient’s condition and skin type.

1. Medical Treatments

Topical Corticosteroids: Helps to restore pigmentation in early-stage vitiligo.
Calcineurin Inhibitors: Effective for sensitive areas like the face and neck, reducing immune system activity against melanocytes.
Topical JAK Inhibitors: A new class of medication that targets immune pathways involved in vitiligo.

2. Light & Laser Therapy

Phototherapy (Narrowband UVB Therapy): A highly effective treatment that stimulates repigmentation by exposing the skin to controlled UVB light.
Excimer Laser Therapy: Targets smaller patches of vitiligo with high-intensity UV light, helping to restore pigmentation faster.

3. Surgical Treatments (For stable, non-progressive vitiligo)

Melanocyte Transplantation: Healthy pigment-producing cells are transplanted to depigmented areas.
Skin Grafting: Small sections of normal pigmented skin are grafted onto vitiligo-affected areas.

4. Lifestyle & Supportive Therapies

Camouflage Techniques: Medical-grade makeup or self-tanners help even out skin tone.
Psychological Counseling: Support for emotional well-being, as vitiligo can impact self-confidence.
Sun Protection: Using broad-spectrum sunscreens to prevent sunburn and further skin damage.

Why Choose Heritage Hospital for Vitiligo Treatment?

Expert dermatologists specializing in advanced vitiligo care.
Cutting-edge treatments including phototherapy and surgical options.
Personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
Comprehensive patient support, including psychological counseling and skincare guidance.

If you or a loved one is struggling with vitiligo, Heritage Hospital is here to help. Our dermatology specialists are dedicated to restoring skin health and confidence with the latest medical advancements.