The causes of vitiligo

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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The usual sites of onset for vitiligo are generally where?

Vitiligo can occur in a wide range of areas on the body, including the skin, torso, face, scalp, and even male-specific areas such as the scrotum, foreskin, and glans. It can also appear on the mucous membranes of the lips. Once this disease is diagnosed, it is essential to undergo formal treatment. Patients should visit a dermatology department at a standard hospital and receive a combination of oral and topical medications. Using a 308 nm excalibur laser can enhance the treatment effects, particularly on mucosal areas where healing tends to be slower; persistence over a long period is crucial. During treatment, it is important to exercise regularly, strengthen immunity, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and refrain from staying up late.

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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.

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

People with vitiligo can eat beef. Beef is delicious and is a high-protein, low-fat quality meat, ranking as the second largest meat product consumed in China. Patients with vitiligo should eat more foods rich in tyrosine or minerals such as copper and iron, including beef, as well as rabbit meat, pork, animal liver, chicken eggs, duck eggs, milk, and some shellfish, such as snails, etc.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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.