Feb 2026: Vitiligo Treatment (8months)
60th – 3rd Feb – New part
Initially, vitiligo was discovered on my son’s right side, which was subsequently confirmed through a Wood’s light examination. It was unexpected to find a suspicious area on the right side that matched the surrounding skin in color, which caused some uncertainty. I brought this to the doctor’s attention, and she also sought to confirm the diagnosis.
Ultimately, a light-colored area near the ear on the right side was identified, a location I was previously unaware of. While it is not ideal to learn of a new affected area, I am grateful for the opportunity to seek treatment at the clinic. Additionally, laser treatment has been incorporated into the plan.
61st – 6th Feb – not working on left side
The physician has identified the condition as mixed-type vitiligo, characterized by segmental presentation on the jaw and generalized distribution across the body.
While facial vitiligo typically responds favorably to treatment, I understand that the patch on the left jaw is segmental, which may reduce the efficacy of laser therapy.
This news is quite disheartening. Despite early treatment, even before visible signs appeared, the improvement in the left facial area has been limited, and it remains the most noticeable area on his body. I am concerned as he is scheduled to begin elementary school next month.
62nd – 11st Feb – Dots on hand
Some of the dots are more noticeable than before, and these dots indicate improvement. I honestly did not expect to see signs of improvement for vitiligo on the hands, as hands and feet typically take a considerable amount of time to show progress due to the skin being thicker than on the facial area.
These signs of healing have given me more encouragement to take my son to the clinic regularly. Additionally, a sigma mini laser has been used a few times at home, with a laser strength of 0.4. The strength needs to be increased by 0.1 increments. It has not been used extensively, perhaps more than 10 times to date.
The initial step was to determine the appropriate laser strength. We are currently attending clinic visits twice a week, and using the home laser machine once or twice, in addition to applying cream daily.
63st – 14st Feb – a dot on left chin
I have observed a new mark on my son’s left chin area, which was not present previously. It appeared quite suddenly. I am pleased to see this mark, as it could indicate an improvement from laser treatment or other diligent efforts. With the Lunar New Year approaching, the clinic will be closed, making it an opportune time to consistently use a Sigma mini home laser device during the upcoming holidays. He has mentioned experiencing pain beneath his chin and has been touching the affected area.
64st – 21st Feb
The Sigma Mini home laser device treatment has been completed, and the numbers are recorded on a post-it note. While it operates slowly, it proves effective between clinic visits. It is particularly useful during extended holidays like Seollal, when clinic services are unavailable. My son’s chin developed a slight redness after using a 0.6 strength, but there was significant overlap, and his hands and feet require considerably more strength.
I am still uncertain about the appropriate strength and am in the process of increasing it. It will be a considerable time before our next clinic visit after Seollal. During the previous long holidays, his vitiligo became more distinctly visible due to the absence of excimer laser treatment. This time, however, is slightly different, as we are utilizing the home device.
65st – 23th Feb
A small blister has appeared on my child’s vitiligo patch on the left jaw. I am concerned that this may have been caused by the combination of the Sigma Mini home device and the hospital treatments.
The blister healed naturally after approximately three to four days, but my child experienced some discomfort and repeatedly touched the area during that time. It was quite distressing to witness the formation of the blister.
66st – 28th Feb
This marks the final doctor’s visit for the month. Next month will present a slightly different situation. Clinic visits during elementary school are expected to differ from those in kindergarten, particularly regarding commuting and pick-up times.
It is quite remarkable that I have been attending clinics with my son for eight months, with our commute involving crossing city borders. I am uncertain when this period will conclude. I often experience fatigue after visiting the dermatology clinics, and I feel I have insufficient free time for myself.
