Vitiligo affects one or two of every 100 people
Vitiligo is a disease in which patients have a complete loss
of pigment in localized areas of the skin. These areas, often
around the mouth and eyes, become completely white. As a result,
vitiligo can be cosmetically disfiguring, especially for dark
skinned people. In addition, the depigmented skin is sun sensitive,
and therefore, subject to sunburns and skin cancer.
Vitiligo is a process where the human body inhibits the pigment
producing process of the skins pigment cells. A series
of excimer laser treatment can often lead to dramatic re-pigmentation
of the skin. Pigment can also be lost in the skin after a
variety of surgical procedures and traumatic accidents. Examples
include the white scars after facelifts and aggressive facial
laser procedures such as carbon dioxide laser resurfacing.
A variety of burns and other traumatic accidents may also
lead to hypopigmented scars.
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TREATMENT:
In a recent study, vitiligo patients, most of whom had failed
conventional therapies, were treated with the excimer laser
three times a week. Fifty-seven percent of the vitiligo patches
treated in the study experienced partial to complete repigmentation
in only two weeks.
The Xtrac excimer laser represents one of the newest great
advances in laser dermatology. This laser emits narrow band
ultraviolet B light and has been shown to promote re-pigmentation
in those who have lost pigment in their skin.
Not only does the excimer laser deliver UVB light which stimulates
the pigment producing cells, this lasers deep penetration
enables the light to reach any surviving pigment producing
cells in the vitiliginous area.
Vitiligo Treatment is undertaken in a series of laser sessions. Improvement
is the general rule. Occasional touch-up booster sessions
may be required. Vitiligo Treatment is absolutely painless.
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