{"id":874,"date":"2015-06-20T13:48:50","date_gmt":"2015-06-20T13:48:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newyorkurologyspecialists.com\/circumcision\/?page_id=874"},"modified":"2020-04-05T18:19:28","modified_gmt":"2020-04-05T18:19:28","slug":"vitiligo-of-the-penis-and-foreskin","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.newyorkurologyspecialists.com\/circumcision\/vitiligo-of-the-penis-and-foreskin\/","title":{"rendered":"Penile Vitiligo of the Glans Penis and Foreskin: Treatment in New York City"},"content":{"rendered":"

Vitiligo of the Penis and Foreskin: Specialists in Treatment in NYC<\/h1>\n

by Alex Shteynshlyuger MD<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation<\/a>, please <\/a>contact us<\/a> or call\/text: <\/strong>1-646-663-5545<\/span><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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What is Vitiligo?<\/h1>\n

\"Vitiligo<\/a>Vitiligo<\/strong><\/span> is a skin disorder<\/strong> caused by the loss of melanocytes from the epidermis. Vitiligo is a “white skin patch disease”.<\/strong> Melanocytes are responsible for skin pigmentation (color). Loss of these cells results in white patches in the affected area, the “Michael Jackson Disease”. <\/p>\n

Vitiligo<\/strong> affects people with both light and dark skin but is more noticeable in people with dark skin complexion<\/strong> due to color contrast.<\/p>\n

Vitiligo is thought to be an auto-immune disorder<\/strong>.  Medications to suppress the immune system have been used to treat vitiligo.  Vitiligo can affect the skin in any part of the body including hands, arms, face, genital areas including the penis in men and labia in women.  Vitiligo is not dangerous.<\/p>\n

How is Penile Vitiligo Diagnosed?<\/h2>\n

Penile vitiligo<\/strong> is usually diagnosed by a physical exam. The appearance of penile vitiligo spots usually gives away the diagnosis.  Vitiligo of the penis usually appears as penile discoloration on the foreskin<\/strong>, less commonly on the glans of the penis.  <\/p>\n

Penile vitiligo can sometimes appear similar to discoloration patches caused by balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO<\/a><\/strong>) but experienced urologist can usually easily differentiate between BXO and penile vitiligo by the texture of the skin and associated findings (presence of vitiligo on other parts of the body, signs of BXO such as tissue scarring, elevated patches).  Phimosis<\/a> <\/strong>is often associated with penile vitiligo.<\/p>\n

How Can Vitiligo on the Penis and Foreskin be Treated?<\/h2>\n

Vitiligo can be treated<\/strong> with medications, creams, lasers, and surgical techniques.  Vitiligo can recur after treatment and new lesions can appear in the same or a different location.  In some patients who do not respond to medications, circumcision<\/a><\/strong> or excision of affected areas can provide an effective treatment option.  Often, local skin flaps, a plastic surgery technique is utilized to excise extensive vitiligo.<\/p>\n

At New York Urology Specialists we perform complex excisions and reconstruction of penile skin affected by vitiligo using flaps and grafts when necessary.   Surgical excision often performed with circumcision is an effective treatment option for vitiligo of the penis that does not respond to medical treatment.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Is Vitiligo of the Penis Dangerous?<\/h2>\n

Vitiligo of the penis is not a dangerous condition<\/strong>. It is mostly an aesthetic problem with the appearance being the biggest concern to patients. The function of the penis (ability to get erections) and sensitivity are not affected by vitiligo in most cases.<\/p>\n

What does Penile Vitiligo Look Like?<\/h2>\n

Below are some images and pictures of penile vitiligo:<\/p>\n

Invalid Displayed Gallery<\/p><\/p>\n

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What You Need to Know:<\/h2>\n