The causes of vitiligo

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 01, 2024
00:00
00:00

The main causes of vitiligo are related to decreased immunity, hereditary factors, or a deficiency in copper within the body. Additionally, local injuries in some individuals may also lead to the development of vitiligo. The causes are complex and may vary from person to person. Once diagnosed, it is essential to seek treatment at a reputable hospital; otherwise, the condition may worsen, expanding the affected area and making treatment more difficult. It is advisable to avoid spicy and irritating foods, not to stay up late, to exercise regularly, and to enhance immunity, which can also be beneficial in treating this disease. Generally, it is good to eat foods that are rich in black pigmentation and to avoid consuming too much food rich in vitamin C, as well as to prevent local injuries.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
46sec home-news-image

Can people with vitiligo eat peaches?

People with vitiligo can eat peaches. Peaches are rich in vitamins and also contain a substantial amount of iron. In traditional Chinese medicine, peaches are said to nourish yin, generate fluids, moisturize the intestines, and facilitate bowel movements. They are considered a good fruit symbolizing fortune, prosperity, and longevity. Although long-term excessive intake of vitamin C is one of the triggers for vitiligo, vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant. It helps the body eliminate free radicals, which, when in excess, can damage our body's melanocytes. Therefore, appropriately consuming fruits that contain vitamin C, such as peaches, does not affect vitiligo.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
46sec home-news-image

Can people with vitiligo eat apples?

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.

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
51sec home-news-image

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.

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.