Oct 2025:Vitiligo treatment
28th time-Oct 2
28th time-Oct 9
It has been canceled.
28th time-Oct 11
I received a phone call from the clinic, as I was preparing to pick him up from kindergarten for his dermatology appointment.
The clinic has informed me that the excimer laser machine needs immediate repair, which necessitates the cancellation of the current appointment.
Today was scheduled to be the first day of his treatment following the machine’s repair. I had hoped that his facial leucopathy was improving, but it has persisted for almost two weeks now.
The white patches are quite noticeable. I had previously thought the redness after the laser treatment was concealing them, making them less visible.
The clinic has assured me that bringing him in for appointments twice a week, as much as possible, is the recommended course of action. The condition is now clearly visible without treatment. I would be grateful to accompany him to the clinic for his medical support.
29th time-Oct 15
I am scheduled to accompany him to Daegu for an appointment. I experienced a burn while using a lighter to attach a holder to a wall, which affected several fingertips, with my left middle finger being the most severely impacted.
Despite the accident, I decided to go to Daegu for my son’s appointment, even though it meant waiting a few more days. I underwent laser treatment, which I found somewhat amusing. I need to stretch my middle finger frequently.
Considering the other burns on my fingertips have mostly healed naturally after a few days, I am considering foregoing a clinic visit. I would prefer to consult a doctor in Daegu rather than in Yeongcheon, where there are only a few dermatology clinics, as I will have the opportunity to see a doctor there anyway.
This time, I regret that I forgot to take his pictures after treatment. Some of the cake shops we visited to purchase it.
30th time-Oct 18
Today, I will not be accompanying him to the clinic. My wife will be taking our son to see the doctor. Our son particularly enjoys visiting Daegu with his mother.
He has a natural affection for his mother and feels that he does not spend enough time with her. This is an opportune time for them to spend time together, even though my wife may not have sufficient time to rest.
Nevertheless, I require a brief respite from taking him to the clinic once or twice a week, as this schedule has gradually become somewhat tiring for me. The journey to the clinic takes over two hours each way, resulting in more than four hours of travel on the days we visit the doctor.
This has been the case for the past six months, leading me to believe that it would be less burdensome to travel to a clinic within an hour, or that it would be easier to take him to a clinic if we resided in a city such as Daegu, Busan, or Seoul.
I hope that Excimer laser treatment becomes available in Yeongcheon, allowing for a shorter trip to receive treatment.
31st time-Oct 20
I have observed some changes following the laser treatment. I understand that experiencing itching and soreness can be uncomfortable, but these sensations are indicative of the vitiligo treatment progressing.
The doctor suggested applying a moisturizing cream if there is pain, but he seems disinclined to apply anything to the laser spots.
Perhaps the discomfort is manageable for him, or he may not be overly concerned with his skin condition. I inquired about any difficulties he might encounter due to his skin differences when interacting with friends.
He appears to be largely unconcerned with the attention he receives from others, particularly his peers, at this time. However, he does make an effort to show the white spots on his body to me.
It is possible that he is aware of his differing appearance or the spots I am intentionally concerned about. It is challenging to conceal my concern regarding his appearance.
32nd time-Oct 25
My son enjoys accompanying his mother to the clinic. My wife takes our son to the clinic on Saturdays when her schedule permits, which helps alleviate the pressure on me.
She takes him to places I have not yet visited. I believe that everyone has a different perspective, and visiting various locations can be beneficial.
It is good for him to experience a variety of things, even in similar places in Daegu.
My wife sometimes mentions feeling tired after taking him every Saturday and returning home.
The weekly laser treatments are something we need to manage effectively, and we are unsure when they will conclude.
33th time-Oct 27
I am accompanying my children to the clinic, and my daughter has expressed a desire to visit Daegu, particularly as my son has weekly appointments.
I also thought she might enjoy exploring a different environment, with more people, shops, and sights, beyond our usual surroundings.
However, traveling to another city with two children can be quite tiring for me. I hope they will have more positive memories associated with their regular clinic visits with me.
We recently enjoyed ten Eomuk skewers from a street vendor, which cost 8,000 won. I prefer to purchase items in quantities that are easy to calculate, ideally avoiding the use of coins when paying with cash, though bank account transactions are an option.
It seems there is very little time for rest when traveling with two children compared to just one.
34th time-Oct 31
I received a call from the clinic the day before my scheduled appointment, informing me that the excimer laser was not operational and my appointment would need to be rescheduled.
I understand that alternative arrangements are necessary when equipment requires repair. I had considered clinics in Ulsan, but unfortunately, none were conveniently accessible by public transportation, requiring over a 30-minute walk from the train station, which is my usual point of arrival from my residence.
Therefore, I decided it would be more practical to find another clinic in Daegu. One such clinic is located very close to a facility I visit weekly. This new clinic is unfamiliar to me, particularly regarding the doctor and the excimer laser machine.
The doctor inquired about my usual clinic and my home location, YeongCheon, where there are no facilities for vitiligo treatment from the doctor’s saying. During the examination with a Wood’s lamp, another vitiligo spot was discovered on my son’s ear, which I had previously been unaware of.
However, after the laser treatment, I do not perceive significant changes. son’s skin does become red after the laser, but the white areas on his face appear unchanged this time.
