How to diagnose vitiligo in babies?

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on September 22, 2024
00:00
00:00

Babies diagnosed with vitiligo generally need to be differentiated from the following diseases. The first is anemic nevus, which is a congenital hypopigmentation that often exists at birth. If you rub the skin in the affected area, it does not turn red, while the surrounding normal skin does. Another is achromic nevus, which appears at or shortly after birth, characterized by localized hypopigmentation that often follows the distribution of nerve segments, with blurry boundaries. Additionally, there is tinea versicolor, which tends to occur in hot weather, with hypopigmented patches that have a bran-like or scaly appearance and a positive fungal test. It also needs to be differentiated from pityriasis alba, also known as white pityriasis, which commonly appears on children's faces and has a slightly rough surface. Generally, vitiligo diagnosis still requires further confirmation through tests such as Wood's lamp, dermatoscopy, skin CT, and fungal examinations.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
54sec home-news-image

Why do babies get vitiligo?

There are many factors contributing to the formation of vitiligo, and the most common factors related to its onset include reduced immunity, genetic heredity, copper deficiency in the body, or localized trauma, but the specific cause of the disease is difficult to determine and is currently an international challenge. The appearance of vitiligo in children may be related to a copper deficiency or low immunity. It is advisable to visit a dermatologist at a formal hospital to determine the appropriate treatment. The most conventional treatment generally includes oral medications and topical drugs, combined with 308 laser therapy. It is also advisable to get moderate sun exposure, consume more black-colored foods, and avoid excessive intake of vitamin C-rich foods. Additionally, children should engage in appropriate exercise to enhance their immunity.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
51sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
39sec home-news-image

Can people with vitiligo eat mangoes?

Patients with vitiligo can eat mangoes, as mangoes benefit the stomach, quench thirst, and promote urination. They are rich in vitamins A and C. Although long-term excessive intake of vitamin C-rich foods or medications is one of the triggers for vitiligo, vitamin C is also an antioxidant. It can help the body eliminate oxygen free radicals, which can damage our body's melanocytes. Melanocytes are a key factor in vitiligo. Therefore, consuming a moderate amount of vitamin C-rich fruits has little impact on vitiligo; there is no need to avoid them entirely.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
1min home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
46sec home-news-image

What areas does vitiligo initially appear on?

Common initial sites of vitiligo occurrence are actually irregular. Any part of the body that is covered with skin and has melanin can show symptoms of vitiligo. However, it is more likely to appear on the limbs or facial area for most people. This disease is mainly related to reduced autoimmunity, genetic inheritance, a deficiency in copper in the body, or local trauma. Once diagnosed, it is essential to seek standard treatments, which can include oral medications, topical medications, and 308 laser therapy. With regular and long-term treatment, most cases of small areas are relatively easy to treat. For larger areas affecting the whole body, melanocyte transplantation can also be considered.