Dec 2025(for 6 months): vitiligo treatment
42nd – Dec 1
I was attempting to transfer between public transportation within a 30-minute window.
My plan was to take a bus, visit a doctor, and then return to Dongdaegu station by subway, all within 30 minutes to qualify for a free transfer, but it did not work as intended.
I need to consider ways to reduce both time and expense. I regularly incur costs for laser treatment, and I was quite surprised when I reviewed my card bill after a clinic visit.
Each visit costs approximately 50,000 won. Around 30,000 won of this is allocated for the clinic, public transportation, and a meal with my son.
It would be beneficial to save time and money for a future trip. Additionally, I should aim to take the 3:50 PM train from Dongdaegu instead of the 5:00 PM train, which would allow me to return home earlier and feel less pressured.
43rd – Dec 5
We are planning to visit other cities for travel. My wife and I discussed the best time to take our son to the clinic for laser treatment.
We were in the process of making a booking when all family members arrived at Dongdaegu station to transfer to another train.
Therefore, we should arrive at the station earlier to meet the reservation time, which is right after lunchtime for the clinic. My wife will take our son to the clinic, and the rest of the family members will wait for their return.
I feel that I do not need to take my son to the clinic, even though I need to be in Dongdaegu, which is over half the distance to see the doctor.
I am satisfied that my wife is taking some of the burden of the visit from me. We will go to the clinic again on our return trip.
44th – Dec 8
I am considering a new medication to help prevent the spread of vitiligo. This medication does contain steroids, so it requires a specific interval between prescriptions.
I was initially hesitant to give it to my son because he is currently taking a similar medication, albeit a lower dose (0.2), for his cold.
I plan to discuss with the doctor the possibility of postponing the new medication until our next visit, as I am concerned about potential accumulation in my son’s system.
Currently, the ongoing laser treatment has not shown significant changes; there’s no vivid redness, itching, or any noticeable improvement in his vitiligo.
It is quite challenging to maintain the schedule of two clinic visits per week.
I sincerely hope for a more positive outcome for my son, and I am contemplating whether this continuous journey needs to be re-evaluated.
45th – Dec 12
I am currently at a bus stop on my way to the clinic, and I find myself contemplating the duration of this journey, which typically exceeds four hours. I am also considering ways to reduce my bus fare and catch an earlier train than my usual one. I have been undertaking this trip for nearly six months now, and I am uncertain when it will conclude. I need to find ways to minimize both the financial cost and the time commitment as much as possible.
Perhaps it is time to explore other clinics located closer to Dongdaegu station. I have attempted to schedule an appointment at such a clinic, but unfortunately, there are no available slots that align with my preferred times, specifically between my arrival and departure by train. It seems I am left with the option of booking appointments week after week, even during the Christmas Eve period.
I was quite impressed with their system, particularly the ample time provided for a thorough conversation during the initial visit. My current doctor’s appointments tend to be rather brief, and I often wonder if that’s sufficient.
I am hopeful that the new clinic will offer a more effective system and improved treatment for both my son and myself, especially given its convenient location.
This also reminds me that I should pack some food for the journey. I realize I often prioritize preparing fruit for my son over myself, which can leave me feeling quite drained upon returning home, as I rush to meet clinic appointments and train schedules without having had a chance to eat.
46th – Dec 15
I am pleased to report that my condition has improved significantly compared to my last visit home. I have been making a conscious effort to prioritize my own well-being, ensuring I have adequate time to rest and prepare refreshments for myself.
While I always make sure to prepare food for my son, I am learning the importance of self-care, even before attending to the needs of my family members, though I admit it is not always easy. These efforts have left me feeling less fatigued than before.
Regarding my son’s treatment, I inquired with the doctor about the efficacy of a home excimer laser device while he was undergoing his laser treatment. The doctor advised that a home device could be a valuable supportive measure alongside the clinic’s laser treatment.
The home machine’s laser level is intentionally kept low to prevent any accidental burns. I also had a question about the clinic’s excimer laser: why it maintains a certain level and administers two exposures instead of increasing the laser’s intensity.
The doctor explained that the machine’s laser level fluctuates; it starts at a set level but then decreases. Therefore, it is more beneficial to have double shots rather than a single, more powerful level. I have observed that while my son’s hands and the left side of his chin have not shown much change, the area around his lips has improved considerably.
47th – Dec 19
Today was quite a busy day, as I had to visit the clinic and also prepare several things to ensure a smooth return home with a child. These preparations included making food and tidying up the house.
I left home at 12:30 PM and returned at 5:00 PM, without any breaks. My son and I even had to rush to catch the subway to make our scheduled train at 3:50 PM from Dongdaegu station.
I felt a sense of emptiness during the train ride, as it seemed like a relentless race, focusing only on the next step. I felt a great sense of relief upon arriving home, signifying the completion of all the demanding tasks.
During our visit, I inquired with the doctor about a vitiligo-like patch on the left side of my son’s foot, which I had noticed using a UV lantern at home. My son is currently undergoing laser treatment, and it seems beneficial for the treatment to target the affected areas, even if it means exposing new parts of his body.
Additionally, a staff member at the clinic asked if I wished to book the next treatment, but I was unable to do so as I am uncertain if we will be returning to this clinic soon. I plan to visit another clinic located near Dongdaegu train station on Christmas Eve, hoping that this new arrangement will reduce the travel time and effort involved.
48th – Dec 24
This is my initial visit to this new clinic. It is conveniently located approximately a 10-minute walk from the train station.
The clinic itself is very pleasant and clean, although several floors in the building housing the dermatology clinic are currently under a lien and occupied.
I had a brief conversation with a staff member about the history of symptoms and waited for a short period. I then met with a doctor at the new clinic. She inquired about my son’s previous treatments and medications.
The good news she shared is that significant improvement is anticipated with early treatment for the initial signs of vitiligo. However, the less favorable news is that more vitiligo was discovered on my son’s body, particularly on his foot, neck, and nose.
The doctor used a DSLR camera to take pictures under a Wood’s light in the examination room, with the room lights also on. She meticulously searched for vitiligo and took photographs because I had mentioned my suspicion of it on his foot and other parts of his body, though I was not entirely certain.
He was prescribed PRD syrup for seven days, to be taken once daily at a dosage of 8ml, and this should not be further disseminated.
My son has undergone two different treatments: one is the excimer laser treatment, which is the same as what the previous clinic provided, and the other is light therapy, which resembles a standing tanning machine.
For this, he needs to be unclothed, with his entire face and head covered, and then enter the machine for a specific duration, starting with 30 seconds and gradually increasing the time.
It was quite disheartening after the clinic visit to realize the extent of his vitiligo on parts of his body that I was previously unaware of. A staff member at the counter kindly offered a Christmas gift, a pack of snacks for children. Merry Christmas.
49th – Dec 26
It appears that the time spent traveling to and from the clinic was shorter this time compared to our previous visit. I was quite surprised to find that the laser treatment itself took approximately one hour. We are familiar with the process of light therapy.
Upon informing the staff of our timely arrival, we were directed to the light therapy room, instructed to disrobe, cover my son’s heads, enter the light therapy machine, and close its door. Subsequently, we were to ring a bell inside the room, at which point the machine would operate automatically and cease at a predetermined time.
It seems that the majority of the time is spent on undressing and dressing for light therapy, as the machine itself only runs for 30 seconds. I anticipate that light therapy sessions will be quicker during the summer months. After the treatment, we returned to the waiting room to be called by the doctor, and our turn to see the doctor arrived within a few minutes. The style of laser treatment at this clinic is quite different from our previous clinic.
Previously, the laser beam primarily targeted white spots, whereas this doctor targets a wider area around the vitiligo spots. An interesting observation was made when the laser beam was directed near the mouth; my son was asked to open his mouth. I inquired with the doctor about the reason for this, and he explained that stretching the skin around the lip allows for better laser beam penetration. It is noteworthy how different doctors approach treatment, even when utilizing the same laser machine on the same individual.
50th – Dec 29
Please be advised that the train schedule will be updated starting tomorrow. Consequently, today marks the final opportunity to board the 3:50 PM train from Dongdaegu Station.
Regarding my upcoming clinic visit, the procedure will be consistent with my last appointment, involving light therapy and laser treatment with the doctor. I intend to request a prescription for vitiligo cream, as my current supply at home is nearly depleted.
When asked about the desired quantity, I will request three tubes of cream. I had not previously considered the possibility of requesting multiple tubes, but it seems logical given that applying the cream twice daily, as per the clinic’s instructions, leads to a quicker depletion of the product. In contrast, when my son used a similar cream once every day or two, it lasted considerably longer, but my current situation is different.
Additionally, I have noted a change in the strength of the prescribed cream. The previous clinic prescribed a 0.1% strength, whereas this clinic’s prescription is 0.03%. I inquired with a pharmacist about the difference in strength, and he explained that the lower concentration is typically for children, while the higher concentration is for adults or specific cases.
I am somewhat concerned that this change might affect the efficacy of my vitiligo treatment, and I plan to discuss this with the doctor during my next visit.
51st – Dec 31
On the final day of this year, we have an appointment scheduled at the clinic for my son’s dermatological concern. Following laser treatment, certain areas of my son’s body, specifically newly exposed parts such as his left ear, neck, and nose, have displayed a subtle change in skin color to a light red.
Interestingly, this alteration has not been observed in areas like his head or feet. This newly exposed area was treated with an excimer laser, and while the change is not immediately apparent to the naked eye, it has been detected by a physician using a Wood’s lamp and a DSLR camera.
I occasionally find it challenging to fully accept that these areas are not yet visibly affected to the naked eye, and I sincerely hope that no pronounced changes occur and that any current alterations resolve completely.
I have generally kept these thoughts to myself, only briefly mentioning them to the doctor during my son’s laser treatment.
I am seeking clarification regarding the difference in cream strength between the 0.1% cream previously used and the 0.03% cream newly prescribed during my last visit. I had initially thought the 0.03% cream was prescribed because it is commonly used for children.
However, when I mentioned that my son is currently using the 0.1% cream, the doctor prescribed the 0.1% cream this time. I believe I may have misunderstood the instructions regarding mixing these two creams.
With the New Year approaching, we are planning to visit my wife’s family. They have all inquired about the noticeable vitiligo on my son’s face when he is not present.
While I had hoped it was only noticeable to our immediate family, it appears this is not the case. It is somewhat disheartening to realize that those around my son are aware of the differences in his skin tone.
