What areas does vitiligo initially appear on?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can vitiligo be transmitted through blood?

Vitiligo is primarily caused by factors such as reduced immunity, genetic inheritance, copper deficiency in the body, or localized trauma. This disease is not contagious and cannot be transmitted through blood or by contact with each other. Once diagnosed, it is essential to seek standard treatment, which should include oral and topical medications from a conventional hospital's dermatology department, in conjunction with 308nm excimer laser therapy for quicker results. During treatment, it is also important to exercise regularly to boost the immune system and eat more black foods, such as black rice, black beans, black sesame, wood ear mushrooms, and other mushrooms. Foods rich in vitamin C, such as strawberries, oranges, tomatoes, pineapples, and mangoes, should be consumed in moderation. Maintaining a regulated diet and lifestyle habits can aid in the treatment process.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What are the characteristics of the stable period of vitiligo?

The stable phase of vitiligo is defined as a period of at least six months, or even more than a year, during which there are no changes in the localized white patches on the body, regardless of whether treatment is administered or not. During this phase, the white patches neither progress nor recover. Treatments during the stable phase are generally not very effective; oral medications, topical applications, and even treatment with a 308 laser typically show little change. The most common treatment plan during the stable phase still involves melanocyte transplantation. Patients should visit a dermatology department at a certified hospital to get a proper diagnosis and specific treatment. During the treatment period, it is important to enhance physical exercise to boost immunity, consume foods rich in black pigments, and limit intake of foods high in Vitamin C. After recovery, measures should be taken to prevent relapse and consolidate the treatment results.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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The causes of vitiligo

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 Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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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.

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

People with vitiligo can eat bananas. Bananas have the properties of clearing heat and detoxification, moisturizing the intestines to relieve constipation, and moistening the lungs to stop coughing. They also contain vitamin C. Long-term excessive intake of vitamin C is one of the inducers of vitiligo, but vitamin C is also an antioxidant. It can help to eliminate oxygen free radicals in the body, and excessive oxygen free radicals can damage our melanocytes. Therefore, eating a moderate amount of fruits containing vitamin C, such as bananas, has little impact on vitiligo. Thus, there is no need to avoid eating fresh fruits altogether.