When is the contagious period of vitiligo?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on August 31, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by He Da Wei
Dermatology
38sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
1min 3sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
52sec home-news-image

What to do if vitiligo spreads during pregnancy?

Generally speaking, during pregnancy, due to reduced immunity, hormonal changes, or deficiencies in vitamins and trace elements, vitiligo can spread and worsen. Using oral and topical medications during this period is troublesome, and pregnant women are generally advised against taking medications. It is advisable to visit the dermatology department of a regular hospital for localized 308 laser treatment, which does not affect pregnant women. It is essential to seek treatment at a reputable medical institution where a doctor can diagnose and provide a treatment plan. During pregnancy, it is recommended to consume more black-colored foods such as black rice, black beans, black sesame, wood ear mushrooms, and mushrooms, while avoiding consuming too much vitamin C-rich food like strawberries, oranges, tomatoes, pineapples, and mangoes.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
1min 4sec home-news-image

What are the instruments for vitiligo examination?

The most commonly used instruments for diagnosing vitiligo currently are the Wood's lamp and the dermatoscope, with the Wood's lamp being used slightly more frequently in clinical settings. After the appearance of white patches on the body, one can first visit the dermatology department of a formal hospital for an examination with the Wood's lamp. If it is vitiligo, the patches will appear brightly white under the lamp, with clear edges. This disease has a certain degree of recurrence, and it is crucial to undergo formal treatment once diagnosed. During treatment, it is advisable to enhance physical exercise, boost immunity, and largely avoid eating spicy and irritating foods. Treatment can include oral medication, topical medication, and the use of a 308 nm UVB laser, which can accelerate recovery. It's beneficial to consume foods rich in black pigments, and it is advisable to avoid consuming excessive amounts of Vitamin C-rich foods. Persisting with the treatment usually yields good results.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
50sec home-news-image

Segmental vitiligo treatment

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.