Why You Should See a Dermatologist for Vitiligo Management

This article is by Incyte. Dr. Nada Elbuluk was compensated for her participation.

Receiving a vitiligo diagnosis is a lot to process. After all, the chronic autoimmune condition, characterized by white or depigmented patches on the skin, can progress unpredictably, leaving people with this condition feeling self-conscious or frustrated with the lack of control. While there is no cure for vitiligo, the condition can be actively managed by working closely with a dermatologist that can help you outline a plan to meet your individualized goals.

Here’s what dermatologist and pigmentary disorders specialist Nada Elbuluk, MD, founder and director of the University of Southern California Skin of Color and Pigmentary Disorders Program at Keck Medicine of USC, wants you to know when it comes to partnering with a dermatologist around vitiligo.

Understanding the science of vitiligo is an important first step.

Impacting an estimated 1.9 million to 2.8 million people in the U.S., vitiligo can have a profound impact on people’s lives. A visible condition, it is often incorrectly perceived as just cosmetic or contagious, but is much more than skin deep.

“Vitiligo is not cosmetic in any sense of the word,” Dr. Elbuluk emphasizes. “When vitiligo is mislabeled as cosmetic, it undermines the significant impact the condition can have on a person’s overall health and mental wellbeing.”

A deeper understanding of the science of vitiligo can empower people with the condition and help them make more informed decisions about their care.

Dermatologists are vitiligo experts.

If you’ve been diagnosed by a primary care physician or general healthcare provider, Dr. Elbuluk recommends finding a dermatologist for specialized care. They are trained to manage skin, hair, and nail conditions and can help you understand the treatment landscape. Dermatologists can direct you to resources, lend their expertise on the diagnostic evaluation, and partner on building a management or treatment plan based on your individual goals.

Further, dermatologists can also monitor and screen for other potential autoimmune conditions associated with vitiligo, as more than 15% of people with vitiligo experience an additional autoimmune disorder such as thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Type 1 diabetes.

Managing vitiligo early and actively is essential.

For people who want to pursue treatment, which is not everyone, seeing a dermatologist early is helpful as vitiligo can be unpredictable. Some people show signs of active disease, which means their vitiligo is at a higher risk of spreading quickly. In these cases, Dr. Elbuluk reinforces the importance of being proactive about treatment if desired, given vitiligo is easier to treat when it’s localized.

“As vitiligo spreads, it can become more widespread and more challenging to treat,” Dr. Elbuluk says.

It’s also important for people with vitiligo — even those who aren’t seeking treatment — to see a dermatologist regularly because they can help determine and maintain an individualized management plan and address specific needs that may arise.

“In my experience, while some people choose not to treat, the majority of my patients do want to seek treatment. Either way, it’s helpful to establish care with a dermatologist who can help one determine how frequently to be seen,” Dr. Elbuluk states. “Regular touchpoints with my patients give me the opportunity to monitor their progression and check in to see how they’re doing.”

Dermatologists can be an important part of your support system.

Living with vitiligo is a long-term medical and emotional journey. Because of the unpredictable nature of vitiligo, both the disease and how people feel about their condition may change over time. Having a strong relationship with a dermatologist can be helpful when navigating this journey.

“When the relationship between a patient and their dermatologist is solid, it’s a powerful and positive experience for those living with vitiligo because they have support and they don’t feel alone,” Dr. Elbuluk says. A dermatologist can also help connect individuals with local or national patient advocacy groups, which can provide additional support.

For more information about vitiligo or to become an advocate and share your own vitiligo story, visit ThisIsVitiligo.com.

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