Vitiligo Delray Beach | Feinstein Dermatology

If you notice patches of your skin losing color or pigment, you might be experiencing vitiligo, a chronic autoimmune condition. This process occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for pigment, are attacked and destroyed, resulting in white and milky skin. Although vitiligo is not curable, our board-certified dermatologists at Feinstein Dermatology offer treatments to help you manage these symptoms. If you’re in Delray Beach, FL, we’re here to provide vitiligo treatments tailored to your needs.

Types of Vitiligo

There are two types of vitiligo: generalized and segmental.

Generalized vitiligo causes white patches to appear on both sides of the body, often in a symmetrical pattern. For example, you may notice white patches on both hands and knees. The loss of pigment can be rapid, progressive, and cover large areas of the body.
Segmental vitiligo is far less common, and usually occurs at a young age. It is characterized by white patches on just one part of the body, e.g., one arm or one leg. In some cases, segmental vitiligo also causes the partial loss of hair color.

Treatment Options

To begin your treatment journey, schedule a comprehensive diagnosis with one of our board-certified dermatologists. Once we determine the type and severity of your vitiligo, we may suggest advanced laser technology as a treatment option. This cutting-edge laser therapy effectively clears vitiligo patches without causing harm to the surrounding healthy tissues. While it doesn’t cure vitiligo, laser therapy provides long-lasting relief from your symptoms. We also offer new, highly effective topical treatments as part of our comprehensive approach to vitiligo management.

Meet Our Board-Certified Dermatology Team

At Feinstein Dermatology in Delray Beach, FL, our commitment is patient satisfaction and loyalty. We are defining the new standard in customer experience and outcomes, striving to lead by example for others to follow. With a dedicated patient base of over thirty-five thousand (35,000) individuals who have entrusted us with their dermatological and cosmetic needs, we have earned our reputation as a leading provider in the field.

Our team comprises dedicated professionals, including board-certified dermatologists, a board-certified Mohs surgeon, and a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. We invite you to experience the exceptional care and dedication that defines Feinstein Dermatology.

LEADERS IN DERMATOLOGY & COSMETICS

Meet Your Providers

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Brian Feinstein, D.O., FAAD

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Thomas Cahn, M.D., FAAD

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Lawrence Enisman, M.D., FACS

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Meredith Hancock, M.D., FAAD

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Robb Wilentz, M.D.

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Nathalie Allison-Fecteau, PA-C

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Nicole Fernandez

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Vitiligo FAQs

Vitiligo is a chronic condition characterized by the loss of pigment in certain areas of the skin, resulting in white patches. While there is currently no cure for vitiligo, the progression of the condition can be unpredictable. In some cases, vitiligo patches may repigment spontaneously without treatment, especially in areas with mild depigmentation. However, for many individuals, vitiligo tends to be a lifelong condition with periods of stability and periods of progression. Treatment options are available to manage the symptoms and improve the appearance of affected skin, but complete resolution of vitiligo is rare. It’s essential for individuals with vitiligo to work closely with a dermatologist to develop a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and goals.

Vitiligo can vary in its progression from person to person. While some individuals may experience stable patches of depigmentation that remain unchanged for years, others may notice the spread of vitiligo patches over time. The rate and extent of spread can be unpredictable, with some people experiencing rapid progression, while others may see only minimal changes over many years. Certain factors, such as stress, trauma to the skin, and autoimmune conditions, may contribute to the spread of vitiligo. However, it’s essential to note that not everyone with vitiligo will experience spreading patches, and the condition can remain stable in some individuals for extended periods. Regular monitoring by a dermatologist and early intervention with appropriate treatments can help manage the condition and minimize its impact on the skin’s appearance.

Vitiligo can affect any part of the body, but it commonly appears on areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, hands, arms, and feet. However, it can also develop in less sun-exposed areas, including the armpits, groin, genitalia, and inside the mouth. In some cases, vitiligo patches may occur in areas where the skin has experienced trauma, such as cuts, scrapes, or burns. Additionally, vitiligo can affect hair follicles, leading to depigmentation of the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other areas with hair. The distribution of vitiligo patches can vary widely among individuals, and the condition may affect multiple areas of the body simultaneously or appear in isolated patches.

The exact cause of vitiligo is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, autoimmune, and environmental factors. Vitiligo occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment (melanin), are destroyed or stop functioning. Genetic predisposition is considered a significant factor, as individuals with a family history of vitiligo are at a higher risk of developing the condition. Autoimmune factors also play a role, with the immune system mistakenly attacking and destroying melanocytes. Environmental triggers, such as sun exposure, certain chemicals, or emotional stress, may exacerbate or trigger the onset of vitiligo in susceptible individuals. However, the precise interplay between these factors in the development of vitiligo remains an area of ongoing research.

Feel Good About Your Skin

At Feinstein Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, we’re more than just skincare experts in the heart of the Palm Beaches – we’re your partners in feeling good about your skin, for life. Our commitment is to help you embrace your skin’s natural beauty and maintain a healthy, confident glow. We understand that your skin reflects your well-being, and we’re dedicated to making you feel comfortable in your own skin. Don’t wait to take that first step towards your skincare journey – schedule a consultation at our office in Delray Beach, FL today at (561) 498-4407, and let us be the dermatologists who are there for you, every step of the way.

Vitiligo
Delray Beach

Types of Vitiligo

Treatment Options

Meet Our Board-Certified Dermatology Team