Will vitiligo recur after skin grafting?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 14, 2024
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Vitiligo generally enters a stable phase after which skin grafting is quite effective. The stable phase is typically reached when, after about a year of treatment, there are basically no changes, no worsening or improvement in the condition, which is referred to as the stable phase. Using the method of skin grafting to directly implant melanocytes into the depigmented regions tends to be effective. Generally, after skin grafting, melanin quickly proliferates and extensively covers the depigmented areas. However, the factors causing this disease are quite complex. Some individuals, especially those with lower immunity, might experience recurrence even after a successful graft. Therefore, personal health status and clinical evidence should be considered individually.

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early symptoms of vitiligo

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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When is the contagious period of vitiligo?

Vitiligo is not contagious, so there is no contagious period. The disease is primarily caused by decreased immunity, genetic heredity, lack of copper elements in the body, or local trauma. Overall, the causes of the disease are complex and may vary from person to person. Once diagnosed, it is crucial to seek treatment at a reputable dermatology department in a formal hospital. Treatment typically includes oral medication combined with topical medication and supplemented by 308 laser therapy, which generally yields good results. Since the disease is not contagious, it cannot be transmitted through contact with others. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid staying up late, exercise regularly, and strengthen the immune system, as these practices can aid in the treatment.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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How to diagnose vitiligo in babies?

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.

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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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What elements should be supplemented for vitiligo?

Most patients with vitiligo have a certain relationship with a deficiency in copper in their bodies; copper aids in the synthesis of melanin, so it can be somewhat helpful for vitiligo patients to appropriately supplement with copper for treatment. However, for some patients, their condition is not related to a lack of copper, but rather due to a simple reduction in immunity, family genetics, or localized trauma. These patients can receive symptom-targeted treatment, and the use of 308 laser during treatment can enhance results. It is important to regularly exercise, boost immunity, consume more black-colored foods, and avoid eating too many foods rich in vitamin C, such as strawberries, oranges, tomatoes, pineapples, and mangoes. Generally, after complete recovery from vitiligo, the rate of recurrence is relatively low.