Segmental vitiligo treatment

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What are the advantages of epidermal grafting for vitiligo?

Epidermal grafting is suitable for vitiligo in its stable phase, where patches on the body have not changed for at least six months and have not improved with treatment. At this stage, one can opt for epidermal grafting, which involves relatively minor trauma and is not too costly. The local growth of melanin is rapid, and the results tend to be favorable for patients in the stable phase. During the treatment period, it's essential to avoid spicy and irritating foods, consume more black-colored foods, avoid excessive intake of vitamin C-rich foods, enhance physical exercise to boost immunity, and keep the treated area dry and free from friction to prevent melanin loss.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What fruits can people with vitiligo eat?

Any type of fruit can be consumed as long as it is done normally, appropriately, and in moderation. Even fruits rich in vitamin C have little impact on vitiligo. Consuming fresh fruits normally provides various vitamins and trace elements, which are beneficial to the human body. However, long-term excessive intake of vitamin C-rich foods, medications, or fruits may trigger vitiligo.

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

People with vitiligo can eat watermelon. Watermelon has the effects of cooling and relieving heat, eliminating irritability, quenching thirst, and promoting urination. From the perspective of Western medicine, it has a diuretic effect, similar to water, and is a fruit commonly eaten in summer. Although long-term excessive intake of vitamin C is one of the inducers of vitiligo, especially when the daily intake exceeds 1-3 grams for several consecutive months, it can induce vitiligo. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, and it helps us clear free radicals in the body. These oxygen free radicals can damage the melanocytes in our body. Vitiligo is also caused by damage to melanocytes, reduced production or excessive loss. Therefore, some experts even use vitamin C to treat vitiligo. Thus, moderate consumption of fruits containing vitamin C, such as watermelon, has no negative impact. There is no need to avoid eating these fresh fruits entirely due to fear of potential effects.

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Written by He Da Wei
Dermatology
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Vitiligo symptoms

Vitiligo is a common skin depigmentation disorder, often occurring in adolescents. It is difficult to detect in its early stages and presents no distinct symptoms. Initially, vitiligo manifests as small white spots, which vary in size and shape. These spots are pale white, making them distinctly different from the surrounding skin color, with clear boundaries and noticeable pigment deposition around them. Over time, these small white spots may change and gradually spread to the surrounding areas, causing the area of depigmentation to increase, eventually forming larger patches.

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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.