How to Find a Vitiligo Specialist – And Why You Need to See One
Medically reviewed by Dr. John Harris, dermatologist and Director of the UMass Vitiligo Clinic and Research Center.
How do you treat vitiligo? It’s one of the most common questions asked by vitiligo patients and families today – and with good reason. Despite the increasing amount of research and information being developed about vitiligo, there is still wide misinformation about the disease – even among doctors and dermatologists. So how do you know where to start? The answer is quite simple: see a vitiligo specialist. Here’s why you should see a vitiligo specialist – and how to find one.
Why You Need to See a Vitiligo Specialist
Won’t any dermatologist know what to do? It’s possible – but not always the case. In the past decade, vitiligo has seen a surge in research and optimized treatment approaches. Unfortunately, not every doctor is up to date on the latest information. That’s why it is so helpful to see a vitiligo specialist.
“Vitiligo specialists will be the most up to date on the latest information for approaches to vitiligo treatment,” said Dr. John Harris, a dermatologist and physician-scientist who is also the director of the University of Massachusetts Vitiligo Clinic and Research Center.
What if you can’t see a vitiligo specialist? According to Dr. Harris, the next best option is to see a board-certified dermatologist who works in an academic or university setting. While all board-certified dermatologists are trained to take care of vitiligo patients, not all of them are aware of the latest developments in the treatment of vitiligo. Dermatologists working in a university setting are more likely to be up to date on new developments and typically attend conferences where up to date information is presented.
How to Find a Vitiligo Specialist
Finding a vitiligo specialist just got easier with launch of the Vitiligo Clinicians World Map created by the University of Massachusetts’s Vitiligo Clinic and Research Center. Boasting 61 vitiligo specialists from 23 countries and six continents, the list is a reputable source of vitiligo specialists – and they come personally recommended by Dr. Harris.
“The specialists listed in the Vitiligo Clinicians World Map have declared a special interest in vitiligo and/or have attended conferences dedicated to vitiligo,” said Dr. Harris, who worked his team at the UMass Medical school to build the map. “I know most of them personally as well, so I know they are capable and trustworthy.”
To see the list of specialists, visit https://www.umassmed.edu/vitiligo/vitiligo-clinicians-world-map/.
Good morning. I too began developing vitiligo at a young age, 11 yrs old to be exact. Skipping forward to today’s date, I am now 34 years old and my body has been fully covered with vitiligo at this point. A few spots left on my back to finish it off. My scalp as well has began developing patches where my hair grows out white as well. I am now interested in finding out if any other health issues have been discovered associated with vitiligo. I do have thyroid issues as well which I have read can also be associated with vitiligo. My nerves also have begun acting up more. Anxiety has also hit me harder than usual…affecting my stomach and digestive system. I am interested in knowing if other vitiligo patients have also been affected in similar ways.
I would really be interested in finding a specialist that can really look into my case and help me get the correct treatment I need.
Thank you!