XTRAC Laser Technology for Vitiligo

People with Vitiligo develop white spots in the skin that vary in size and location. The spots occur when pigment cells, or melanocytes, are destroyed and the pigment melanin can no longer be produced. Melanocytes normally occur throughout the skin, and in the hair follicles, mouth, eyes, and some parts of the central nervous system. In Vitiligo, pigment cells can be lost in any of these areas. Common sites of pigment loss are:

• Exposed areas: hands, face, upper part of the chest
• Around body openings: eyes, nostrils, mouth, nipples, umbilicus, genitalia
• Body folds: arm pits, groin
• Sites of injury: cuts, scrapes, burns
• Hair: early graying of hair of the scalp, beard or other areas
• Area immediately surrounding pigmented moles
• Choroid of the eye

Vitiligo affects at least 1% of the population. About half of the people who develop this skin disorder experience some pigment loss before the age of 20, and about one third of all Vitiligo patients say that other family members also have this condition. Even though most people with Vitiligo are in good general health, they face a greater risk of having: Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism (increased or decreased thyroid function), Pernicious anemia (Vitamin B12 deficiency), Addison’s Disease (decreased adrenal function), Alopecia Areata (round patches of hair loss), and/or Uveitis (inflammation of the eyes).

Download a copy of the Dermatology Times highlighting the excimer laser for the treatment of vitiligo