Can people with vitiligo eat apples?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 17, 2024
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People with vitiligo can eat apples, however, long-term excessive intake of vitamin C is one of the inducers of vitiligo. Generally, consuming vitamin C in daily amounts exceeding 1-3 grams for several months could potentially trigger vitiligo. Nevertheless, vitamin C is also an antioxidant, which can help eliminate oxygen free radicals in the body. Excessive oxygen free radicals can also damage our melanocytes. Therefore, eating an appropriate amount of fruits containing vitamin C does not greatly affect vitiligo, and there is no need to completely avoid fresh fruits and foods containing vitamin C.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What are the instruments for vitiligo examination?

The most commonly used instruments for diagnosing vitiligo currently are the Wood's lamp and the dermatoscope, with the Wood's lamp being used slightly more frequently in clinical settings. After the appearance of white patches on the body, one can first visit the dermatology department of a formal hospital for an examination with the Wood's lamp. If it is vitiligo, the patches will appear brightly white under the lamp, with clear edges. This disease has a certain degree of recurrence, and it is crucial to undergo formal treatment once diagnosed. During treatment, it is advisable to enhance physical exercise, boost immunity, and largely avoid eating spicy and irritating foods. Treatment can include oral medication, topical medication, and the use of a 308 nm UVB laser, which can accelerate recovery. It's beneficial to consume foods rich in black pigments, and it is advisable to avoid consuming excessive amounts of Vitamin C-rich foods. Persisting with the treatment usually yields good results.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What is generalized vitiligo?

Generalized vitiligo, as opposed to localized vitiligo, generally covers larger areas and can appear on various parts of the body, while localized vitiligo typically occurs in only one area, such as the palms or around the mouth. Once this disease is discovered, especially generalized vitiligo, it must be treated properly; otherwise, the affected area can increase, making treatment more difficult later on. Treatment should be sought at a reputable hospital's dermatology department, where a combination of oral medication, topical medication, and 308 laser therapy can be effective. During treatment, it's important to exercise to strengthen the immune system, avoid foods rich in vitamin C, and consume more dark-colored foods, which can help in the production of melanin.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can vitiligo develop into skin cancer?

Vitiligo is a condition where melanin is lost from the epidermis, leading to the formation of white patches on the skin surface; this condition is not related to the skin itself. Vitiligo generally progresses with an increase in the area and whiteness of the patches, or an increase in the number of patches on the body, but it does not develop into skin cancer. Once diagnosed with vitiligo, it is essential to seek standard treatment at the dermatology department of a formal hospital, because the treatment period is relatively long, requires long-term medication, and involves treatment with 308-nm excimer laser. During treatment, it is important to exercise to boost immunity and avoid spicy and irritating foods. Eating more black-colored foods and limiting the intake of foods rich in Vitamin C is advisable. Even after complete recovery, continuing medication for a while to consolidate the treatment is recommended.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can late-stage vitiligo be life-threatening?

Generally speaking clinically, vitiligo does not have a concept of a late stage, but if the disease has been present for a long time and covers a large area, treatment can be troublesome. Vitiligo poses no harm to life and health; even if the affected area is large, it does not threaten life, but treatment can be troublesome, requiring long-term commitment and substantial costs. Once detected, it is best to seek formal treatment at a dermatology department of a standard hospital. Generally, doctors will formulate a treatment plan based on the individual's condition. The combination of oral medication, topical medication, and 308 laser therapy is currently the most effective method for treating vitiligo. During the treatment period, it is also important to strengthen physical exercise to enhance immunity, helping to prevent the complete loss of melanin after it is deposited.

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Written by Liu Gang
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How to determine if the white patches on the face are vitiligo

The most common diagnostic methods for vitiligo currently are the Wood's lamp and a dermatoscope. If white patches appear on the face, it is best to visit the dermatology department of a formal hospital for an examination with a dermatoscope and Wood's lamp, which can essentially determine whether it is vitiligo. If the white patches appear around the mouth, beside the nose, or near the eyes, there is a higher probability that these are vitiligo. If the white patches develop on the eyebrows or where there is hair, and if the hair also starts turning white, it can generally be confirmed as vitiligo. If diagnosed with vitiligo, it is necessary to seek treatment promptly. Generally, a combination of oral and topical medications along with 308 laser treatment can be quite effective. Additionally, some facial white patches may simply be pityriasis versicolor, which is somewhat related to fungal infections.