Pediatric Vitiligo

Page Updated: October 10, 2024

Pediatric vitiligo can be a challenging condition for children, affecting both their skin and self-esteem. At Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Houston, we offer advanced solutions such as the XTRAC^® laser therapy to help children manage vitiligo effectively. With its targeted approach and proven results, XTRAC is a safe, non-invasive treatment that can restore pigmentation and improve a child’s quality of life.¹ Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate care and tailored treatment plans to meet the unique needs of pediatric patients and their families.

• What is Pediatric Vitiligo?
• Symptoms of Vitiligo
• Who Gets Vitiligo?
• Treatment for Pediatric Vitiligo
• XTRAC for Pediatric Vitiligo Treatment
• Benefits of XTRAC for Vitiligo
• Preparing for Pediatric Vitiligo Treatment with XTRAC
• The XTRAC Procedure
• XTRAC for Vitiligo Recovery and Results
• FAQs About Pediatric Vitiligo Treatment

What is Pediatric Vitiligo?

Pediatric vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune skin condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. This results in patches of lighter, depigmented skin that can appear anywhere on the body, often starting on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, and feet.²

Although vitiligo does not cause physical pain or health problems, it can have a significant impact on a child’s emotional well-being. The visible nature of the condition may lead to concerns about self-esteem and social acceptance. Children may struggle with anxiety, especially if the condition begins at a young age.

Vitiligo is not contagious and poses no risk to overall health, but managing the condition early can help minimize its psychological effects. Importantly, more than half of all cases develop before the age of 20³, making early intervention key to supporting a child’s long-term well-being.

Symptoms of Vitiligo

Vitiligo is characterized by the loss of skin color in patches, which can vary in size and location. The condition often begins with a patchy loss of pigment on the hands, face, and areas around body openings, such as the mouth or genitals. Common signs and symptoms of vitiligo include:

• Patchy loss of skin color, which typically appears first on the hands, face, and areas around body openings.
• Premature whitening or graying of hair on the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, or beard.
• Loss of color in the tissues lining the inside of the mouth and nose (mucous membranes).

Vitiligo can develop at any age, but it typically begins before the age of 30. Depending on the type, vitiligo can affect different parts of the body:

• Universal vitiligo: Discoloration affects nearly all skin surfaces.
• Generalized vitiligo: The most common type, discolored patches appear symmetrically on corresponding body parts.
• Segmental vitiligo: Affects only one side or part of the body, often developing at a younger age, progressing for a year or two, and then stopping.
• Localized (focal) vitiligo: Affects one or just a few areas of the body.
• Acrofacial vitiligo: Affects the face and hands, and areas around body openings such as the eyes, nose, and ears.

The progression of vitiligo is unpredictable. In some cases, the patches stop forming without treatment, while in others, pigment loss may spread over time.⁴

Who Gets Vitiligo?

Vitiligo can affect people of all races and ethnicities, but the condition may be more noticeable in individuals with darker skin. Despite this, vitiligo occurs with similar frequency across all ethnic groups, affecting between 0.5% and 1% of the global population. Some researchers believe the actual number may be higher, with estimates suggesting up to 1.5% of the population may have vitiligo.⁵

Most cases of vitiligo develop during childhood or adolescence. In fact, more than half of all people with vitiligo are diagnosed before the age of 20. While vitiligo can develop in families, only about 15% of patients have a family history of the condition, making genetic factors less common contributors.

Vitiligo is also associated with other autoimmune disorders. About 15 to 25% of people with vitiligo also experience conditions such as autoimmune thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and others.⁶

Treatment for Pediatric Vitiligo

Several treatment options are available for managing pediatric vitiligo, with the goal of restoring pigmentation and minimizing the progression of depigmentation. Since vitiligo can have a significant psychosocial impact on both children and their families, it’s important to explore all available treatments based on the individual’s needs and severity of the condition.⁷

Topical Treatments for Pediatric Vitiligo

Topical treatments are often the first line of defense in treating vitiligo in children. Common options include:

• Topical Corticosteroids: These anti-inflammatory creams are frequently prescribed to children with vitiligo to help restore pigmentation. While they can be effective, particularly in early stages of the condition, long-term use may lead to side effects like skin thinning, especially on sensitive areas such as the face. The slow progression of results and the risk of side effects make corticosteroids less ideal for extended use in pediatric patients.
• Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors: Non-steroidal treatments like tacrolimus or pimecrolimus can be used for smaller areas, such as the face. They are considered safer for long-term use than corticosteroids, but their effectiveness for more extensive or stubborn cases is limited. These inhibitors may take several months to show results, which can be a challenge for children and their parents.
• Vitamin D Analogues: Used occasionally in combination with corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues help regulate skin cell production but tend to have moderate efficacy and are not generally a primary treatment option.

While these topical treatments are widely used, they often come with limitations. They may take months to show visible results, and for children with widespread vitiligo, they are not always the most effective option. Additionally, the risk of side effects—particularly with corticosteroids—can limit their use in younger patients

XTRAC for Pediatric Vitiligo Treatment

Ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy is a widely recommended and effective treatment for pediatric vitiligo. Among the various UVB treatments available, XTRAC^® laser therapy stands out as a highly targeted and non-invasive solution for children dealing with depigmented patches of skin. The XTRAC system directs a concentrated beam of UVB light to affected areas, stimulating melanocyte activity and helping to restore skin pigmentation.

XTRAC therapy has been extensively used across the U.S., with more than 4 million treatments performed ([XTRAC source]). Its FDA-approved technology is designed to provide safe and effective care, with minimal risk of side effects. Unlike topical treatments or systemic immune suppressants, XTRAC offers a pain-free, non-invasive option that avoids the complications of long-term medication use.^8,9

This makes XTRAC an ideal choice for pediatric patients, as it can target vitiligo on nearly any part of the body, providing both children and parents with a safe and reliable treatment option.

Benefits of XTRAC for Vitiligo

Parents often prefer XTRAC over topical treatments for several reasons:

• Quick and non-invasive treatments: Each XTRAC session lasts 20 minutes or less and is non-invasive, making it a convenient and comfortable option for children.
• Faster results: Many pediatric patients begin to see improvement after just three to four treatments, with some experiencing significant clearance of vitiligo in as little as three months.¹⁰
• Treats any area of the body: XTRAC can be used to target vitiligo on virtually any part of the body, including sensitive areas like the face, hands, and areas around body openings.
• No long-term side effects: Unlike topical treatments such as corticosteroids, which can cause skin thinning and other complications with extended use, XTRAC offers a non-invasive solution with little to no side effects.¹¹

Preparing for Pediatric Vitiligo Treatment with XTRAC

Before starting XTRAC treatment for pediatric vitiligo at Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center, here’s how to prepare:

• Consultation: Your child will first have a consultation with the dermatologist to assess their condition and confirm that XTRAC is the right treatment.
• Limit sun exposure: Avoid sun exposure before treatment. Protect the skin with clothing and sunscreen to ensure the treatment works effectively.
• No skincare products: On the day of the session, make sure the treatment areas are clean and free of any creams, lotions, or ointments.
• Reassure your child: Explain that the treatment is painless and quick, typically lasting 20 minutes or less, to help them feel comfortable.
• Expect multiple sessions: Most children will need several sessions, with results often visible after three to four treatments.

By following these simple steps, your child will be well-prepared for XTRAC treatment.

The XTRAC Procedure

XTRAC treatment for pediatric vitiligo involves directing concentrated ultraviolet B (UVB) light to the depigmented areas of the skin. Treatment sessions are typically twice a week. Each session typically lasts about 20 minutes or less, depending on the size and location of the affected areas. During the procedure, the treatment provider carefully targets the patches of skin without affecting surrounding healthy tissue.

As a non-invasive treatment, XTRAC does not require incisions or injections, making it well-tolerated by most children. The number of sessions needed varies, but many patients start to see visible improvement after just a few treatments.

XTRAC for Vitiligo Recovery and Results

One of the key benefits of XTRAC treatment is that there’s no downtime required. After each session, your child can return to normal activities immediately, making it a convenient option for busy families. Since XTRAC is non-invasive, there are no bandages or recovery restrictions to worry about.

Results from XTRAC treatment are gradual, with visible improvements often beginning after three to four sessions. The number of treatments required depends on the severity of the vitiligo and how the skin responds, but many patients continue to see improvement as sessions progress. For some, significant clearance of the depigmented patches can occur within just a few months of treatment.

No downtime: Your child can resume daily activities right after the session.
Gradual improvement: Most patients see results after a few sessions, with continued improvement over time.
Long-lasting effects: The symptom relief from XTRAC can last longer than other treatments, helping to maintain skin pigmentation for an extended period.

FAQs About Pediatric Vitiligo Treatment

How many XTRAC treatments will my child need?

The number of treatments varies depending on the extent of your child’s vitiligo and how their skin responds to therapy. Most children see visible improvement after three to four sessions, but ongoing treatment may be necessary to achieve the best results. Your dermatologist will provide a personalized treatment plan after assessing your child’s condition.

How often will my child need to come to the office for XTRAC treatments?

XTRAC is typically performed twice a week for the treatment of vitiligo.

Is XTRAC safe for children?

Yes, XTRAC is FDA-approved and has been safely used to treat children with vitiligo. It’s a non-invasive treatment with little to no side effects, making it a suitable option for young patients.

How much does XTRAC treatment cost, and is it covered by insurance?

The cost of XTRAC treatment can vary based on the number of sessions needed and your insurance plan. Many insurance companies cover XTRAC for vitiligo, but coverage may differ depending on your provider. It’s best to check with your insurance company or our team to confirm your coverage. We can provide out of pocket pricing if your insurance does not cover the procedure.

Will my child experience pain or discomfort during the XTRAC procedure?

XTRAC treatment is generally well-tolerated by most patients, including children. The procedure is non-invasive, and while some patients may feel mild warmth during the session, most do not experience discomfort.

What are potential side effects of XTRAC for pediatric vitiligo?

XTRAC is generally well-tolerated. Side effects are minimal, especially compared to topical vitiligo treatments. XTRAC side effects may include:

• Discoloration (redness to purpleness)
• Blistering
• Temporary discomfort
• Changes in pigmentation¹²

Schedule a Consultation

If your child is struggling with pediatric vitiligo, schedule a consultation at Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Houston. Our experienced dermatologists can assess your child’s condition and discuss whether XTRAC laser therapy is the right option. Contact us today to learn more and take the first step toward restoring your child’s skin health.

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