FAQs About Vitiligo

At Massapequa Dermatology, Dr. David Kessler has worked on many common skin problems and some rarer ones. For example, vitiligo in Massapequa, NY, can cause devastating skin issues that can affect your overall health in many ways. Here’s what you need to know about this condition through some frequently asked questions.

What Is This Condition?

This disease is a long-term skin disorder that causes patches of white skin to appear throughout your skin. These patches may grow to other parts of the body and typically develop first in areas affected by the skin. While rare, this disease may develop unexpectedly in many people. 

Why Does It Occur?

Scientists aren’t sure why the immune system starts attacking pigmentation cells in the body. Nor do they understand why these cells sometimes destroy themselves and create patches throughout the skin. They believe that UV ray mutation is likely to blame. 

Are There Different Types?

Non-segmental breakouts typically include progressive spread throughout the body that might take weeks, months, or even years to stop. If you develop this condition, expect patches to grow throughout your body and worsen with time, affecting your skin. Segmental typically stays small and doesn’t expand. 

Could This Condition Affect My Whole Body? 

While not common, universal vitiligo may affect almost your whole body. At Massapequa Dermatology, Dr. Kessler can help you manage this disease, which occurs most often in people with darker skin. 

Is It Dangerous? 

This disease is not life-threatening and shouldn’t cause pain for most people. In rare cases, it might be related to other immune system disorders that may require treatment. Talk with your dermatologist if you notice any skin changes to manage them quickly.

Can It Be Treated?

Curing this condition entirely isn’t possible with current science because we’re unsure what causes it. Various skin treatments can restore skin color to these affected patches. While it doesn’t reverse pigmentation loss, it can restore skin tone.

Help Is Available for You

Please don’t hesitate to contact us at Massapequa Dermatology in Massapequa, NY if you need help with this condition. Dr. Kessler can help you manage vitiligo, to ensure your skin is healthy. By calling our team of experts at (516) 253-0550, you can ensure that you get help.