Can people with vitiligo eat beef?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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People with vitiligo can eat beef. Beef is delicious and is a high-protein, low-fat quality meat, ranking as the second largest meat product consumed in China. Patients with vitiligo should eat more foods rich in tyrosine or minerals such as copper and iron, including beef, as well as rabbit meat, pork, animal liver, chicken eggs, duck eggs, milk, and some shellfish, such as snails, etc.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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The causes of vitiligo

The main causes of vitiligo are related to decreased immunity, hereditary factors, or a deficiency in copper within the body. Additionally, local injuries in some individuals may also lead to the development of vitiligo. The causes are complex and may vary from person to person. Once diagnosed, it is essential to seek treatment at a reputable hospital; otherwise, the condition may worsen, expanding the affected area and making treatment more difficult. It is advisable to avoid spicy and irritating foods, not to stay up late, to exercise regularly, and to enhance immunity, which can also be beneficial in treating this disease. Generally, it is good to eat foods that are rich in black pigmentation and to avoid consuming too much food rich in vitamin C, as well as to prevent local injuries.

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Dermatology
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Is a white patch on the face vitiligo?

White patches on the face are common, with the most typical being pityriasis alba or pityriasis versicolor. These conditions are generally related to a lack of vitamins, trace elements, or fungal infections on the skin's surface. These types of patches are usually vague, with unclear boundaries and may also have some fine scales on them. The second type of white patch is vitiligo, which is usually much whiter. When examined under a Wood's lamp, they appear bright white and have irregular edges, with a tendency for the patches to expand over time. Another type of white patch is the nevus depigmentosus, which is congenital and present from birth. These patches generally do not expand and are not particularly white. If there is any uncertainty, it is best to consult a dermatologist at a reputable hospital and have it confirmed with a Wood’s lamp or a dermatoscope.

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What are the early symptoms of vitiligo?

The early symptoms of vitiligo generally appear as a white patch on a localized area of the skin. Initially, the color is not very white, appearing as a vague, hazy white patch. As the condition gradually progresses, the color of the patch becomes whiter and its area expands. If the white patch appears in areas with hair, such as eyebrows, armpits, or the scalp, the hair in these areas will also gradually turn white. Some patients with vitiligo may experience localized itching, but most patients do not experience any discomfort. Once vitiligo is discovered, it is crucial to seek formal treatment at a hospital. Generally, a combination of oral and topical medications, along with 308 laser therapy, yields relatively good results. Treatment can be more challenging if the affected area is large, whereas smaller areas are relatively easier to treat.

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Dermatology
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Does vitiligo cause peeling skin?

Vitiligo generally appears as smooth white patches on the skin surface, without peeling or flaky skin. Peeling usually occurs only after exposure to 308 laser treatment. This disease is related to reduced immunity, genetic factors, copper deficiency in the body, or local trauma. Treatment must be formal and persistent, typically oral medication combined with topical agents and enhanced by 308 laser therapy for quicker results. During treatment, it is important to exercise to boost immunity. Regularly consume foods rich in black pigments and limit intake of foods high in vitamin C. Avoid local injuries and maintain long-term consolidation after recovery to prevent relapse.

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side effects of vitiligo medication

Currently, most of the drugs used to treat vitiligo are traditional Chinese medicines, and they generally have relatively low side effects. However, because the effects of treatment for this disease are slow and the treatment cycle is long, long-term treatment is needed. Therefore, the biggest side effect of long-term oral administration of traditional Chinese medicines is the potential damage to the liver. During the entire treatment process, liver function can be rechecked after using the medication for three months. If the liver function is normal, these medicines can continue to be used. During the medication process, some liver-protecting drugs can also be taken orally. Commonly used topical medications can initially irritate the skin, causing symptoms such as redness, itching, or blistering, but these symptoms will gradually disappear with long-term use.