Access same-day vitiligo treatment online

Book an affordable video visit with a licensed provider to discuss treatment options for vitiligo. If medication is prescribed, your prescription will be sent to a pharmacy of your choice for same-day pickup.

Convenient video appointment
24/7 availability
Same-day prescription to treat vitiligo, if appropriate
No insurance necessary

Access care in 3 simple steps.

1. Pick your providerBrowse provider reviews, same-day time slots, and upfront prices before you book.
2. Meet with your providerTalk through your vitiligo treatment options during a face-to-face video call with a board-certified dermatologist or provider of your choice.
3. Get a prescriptionIf medication is prescribed as part of your vitiligo treatment plan, your prescription will be sent to your pharmacy for same-day pickup.

Browse online doctors and providers for vitiligo, available now.

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About Vitiligo treatment

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition that causes the skin to lose its pigment. It occurs when your body’s melanocyte cells stop producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin and hair its color. This causes white patches (macules) to develop, usually on the face, neck, back of the hands, torso, scalp, or the tissue that lines the inside of your mouth and nose.

While the exact cause of vitiligo isn’t known, research shows that genetics can increase your chances of developing it – about 20% of individuals diagnosed with vitiligo have a family history of the condition. It can also be worsened by skin trauma (such as a sunburn or exposure to harsh chemicals) or severe emotional stress, which can make melanocytes more fragile.

There are various types of vitiligo that affect different parts of the body. These include:

  • Generalized vitiligo: Also known as non-segmental vitiligo, this type of vitiligo causes small patches of discoloration on various parts of the body. These patches usually occur in the same area on either side of the body; for instance, you may have symmetrical macules of discoloration on either hand.
  • Segmental vitiligo: Discoloration appears only on one side or area of the body, and may spread quickly at first.
  • Focal vitiligo: A small patch of discoloration occurs in a single area of the body and does not spread.
  • Mucosal vitiligo: Discoloration appears in the mouth and nose's mucous membrane (tissue lining).
  • Universal vitiligo: Rarer than the other forms, universal vitiligo occurs when 80% or more of the body’s skin has become discolored.

Vitiligo itself is not painful or uncomfortable. However, skin that has lost pigmentation can be more prone to sunburns. Individuals with vitiligo may also experience eye problems or autoimmune disorders.

Vitiligo affects about 1% of the world’s population. Discoloration usually begins to occur in childhood or young adulthood and progresses throughout life. There is no cure for vitiligo. However, cosmetic therapies exist to create a more even skin tone.

While vitiligo can’t be cured, there are treatment options that can help to even out skin color. During your Sesame appointment, you can talk to your health care provider about the plan that’s right for you.
  • Calcineurin inhibitors: Calcineurin inhibitors like pimecrolimus and tacrolimus belong to a class of medications called immunosuppressants. They work by stopping your immune system from destroying pigment-producing cells, helping to prevent depigmentation.
  • Corticosteroids: Corticosteroid medications like topical fluticasone and hydrocortisone may help to return color to your skin if applied during the early stages of vitiligo. It may take several months for repigmentation to begin to appear. Your provider may suggest recurring appointments to monitor steroid side effects like skin thinning or streaking on the skin.
  • Calcipotriene: Calcipotriene is a vitamin D derivative that may help treat vitiligo by slowing skin cell growth. It comes in the form of a topical cream that’s applied to depigmented areas of your skin.
  • JAK inhibitors: JAK inhibitors like ruxolitinib (Opzelura) can help stop your immune system from attacking pigment-producing cells, which can help prevent further depigmentation. It’s important to note that JAK inhibitor medications can cost thousands of dollars per month (even with insurance coverage), and not all providers may be comfortable with prescribing them.

Some vitiligo treatments require in-person or surgical care and cannot be performed over a video visit. These include:

  • Ultraviolet light therapy: Your provider may recommend light therapy (phototherapy) as a vitiligo treatment. The treatment involves using either narrowband UVB light or UVA light on large patches of discoloration to slow or stop the progression of the disease. Frequent exposure to ultraviolet light may increase your risk of developing skin cancer, so you should talk to your provider about whether or not this form of treatment is safe for you.
  • Laser therapy: This therapy uses a focused, high-intensity beam of light called an Excimer laser to target depigmented patches and stimulate pigment production.
  • Skin grafting: Skin grafting is a surgical procedure that uses a small section of healthy, pigmented skin to cover small areas of discolored skin. Skin grafting is used for small patches of vitiligo and may result in some scarring.
  • Cellular suspension transplant: This newer procedure transplants the healthy, pigmented cells from areas of the body unaffected by vitiligo to a discolored patch of skin. This may result in an uneven skin tone and some scarring, but cellular suspension is generally considered safe and effective.
FAQs

Have more questions about vitiligo?

Medically reviewed by:Dr. Allison Edwards
Vitiligo occurs when your body’s immune system attacks melanocytes (pigment-producing cells), causing certain areas of your skin and/or hair to lose color and turn white. While the exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, both genetics and external factors (like intense stress, sunburns, stress, exposure to certain chemicals, etc.) can increase your chances of developing the condition.

While vitiligo can’t be cured, it can be managed with a range of treatments, including prescription medications, laser therapy and surgery.

To find out which vitiligo treatment is best for you, talk with a licensed medical provider. They can offer personalized medical advice catered to your needs and prescribe medication if appropriate.

Yes. If deemed clinically appropriate, an online doctor or provider on Sesame can prescribe vitiligo medication to help restore color to the affected areas of skin. Any vitiligo prescriptions will be sent to a pharmacy of your choice for pickup.

Please note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your provider.

No. Sesame does not accept insurance to keep prices low and transparent – the upfront price you see next to your provider’s name is the price you pay!

However, you can pay for your online visit using your Health Savings Account (HSA) card or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) card if you have one.

If you do have insurance and are prescribed medication during your appointment, your prescription may be covered depending on your plan.

You will also receive a prescription savings card from Sesame if medication is prescribed. The prescription savings card is often cheaper than a co-pay on your prescription, so we recommend comparing your insurance co-pay to the savings card price before filling your prescription.

Yes! Sesame is available to all patients regardless of insurance status. Simply browse Sesame providers, select a price and an appointment time slot that works for you, and get the care you need without hidden fees or surprise bills.

If medication is prescribed during your appointment, you will also receive a prescription discount card that you can show to your pharmacist when you pick up your medication for even more savings.

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