early symptoms of vitiligo

Written by He Da Wei
Dermatology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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The best treatment period for vitiligo is in its early stages, but the early symptoms of vitiligo are easy to overlook, often presenting as smooth white patches the size of nails, with few depigmented patches, typically only 1-2, and most commonly appearing on exposed areas of the skin. Sometimes, the color of the depigmented patches is not very different from the surrounding skin, making it difficult to detect. Vitiligo generally occurs in areas susceptible to sunlight exposure and friction damage, and it mostly affects adolescents, generally before the age of 20. Many teenagers might feel too young to experience serious health issues, thus neglecting to monitor their health. However, early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial and delays or blind treatment should be avoided.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Does vitiligo spread through contagion?

Vitiligo is not contagious, and it will not be transmitted to others through contact once it appears. However, this disease does tend to have a genetic predisposition. The main factors contributing to vitiligo include decreased immunity, a deficiency of copper in the body, localized trauma, or genetic heredity. There are also some reasons that cannot be fully identified through medical examination. After vitiligo appears, its progression varies from person to person. Some patients experience rapid development, with the affected area expanding significantly within a few months, while others see slower progression. Generally, if the spread is quick, it is necessary to seek routine treatment promptly. If the affected area is small and the progression is very slow, it might be reasonable to observe for a while to monitor the development of the patches before deciding on the treatment approach. In any case, it is crucial to take vitiligo seriously upon its onset, continuously observe its progression, consult a doctor to assess the severity of the condition, and receive appropriate treatment.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Can people with vitiligo eat lychees?

People with vitiligo can indeed eat lychees. Lychees have benefits such as stimulating the appetite, nourishing the blood, dispersing clumps, regulating qi, and relieving pain. Concerns about eating lychees mainly arise from their vitamin C content. It has been suggested that prolonged consumption of vitamin C supplements, such as taking more than 1-3 grams daily for several months, may potentially trigger vitiligo. However, normally consuming moderate amounts of vitamin C-rich foods or fruits does not significantly affect vitiligo. Moreover, it is now believed that reactive oxygen species within the body are one of the factors contributing to the development of vitiligo, and vitamin C, as an antioxidant, can help clear these reactive oxygen species from the body and protect melanocytes. From this perspective, eating vitamin C-rich foods normally does not have any adverse effect on vitiligo.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Segmental vitiligo treatment

There are currently multiple ways to treat segmental vitiligo, with the most conventional being a combination of oral medication, topical medication, and 308 laser treatment. If the disease is in the stable phase, melanocyte transplantation can also be considered. The stable phase refers to the condition where, after repeated treatments, there are no changes, no recovery, and no further expansion for a year. This disease is somewhat related to personal immunity, so it is important to regularly exercise to strengthen immunity, consume more dark-colored foods, and avoid eating too much food rich in vitamin C. Proper treatment at a qualified hospital's dermatology department can lead to a complete cure of the disease with persistent treatment.