Vitiligo (cont.)
Author:
Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD
Gary W. Cole, MD, FAADDr. Cole is board certified in dermatology. He obtained his BA degree in bacteriology, his MA degree in microbiology, and his MD at the University of California, Los Angeles. He trained in dermatology at the University of Oregon, where he completed his residency. Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRDr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. IN THIS ARTICLE
When to Seek Medical CareIf an area of pigment loss becomes apparent, it would seem prudent for any patient to have the diagnosis of vitiligo confirmed by a physician. In a minority of patients, vitiligo is associated with a variety of serious systemic diseases, many of which have an autoimmune origin. A complete history, physical examination, and possibly laboratory testing is necessary to rule out the presence of these complicating conditions. It should be born in mind that treatment of such conditions is unlikely to have any effect on the course of vitiligo. When vitiligo develops in certain individuals, there can be a severely deleterious effect on their sense of well-being. It is vital that efforts be made to treat the condition itself as well as the associated psychological factors that can occur in severely affected patients. Must Read Articles Related to Vitiligo
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