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 Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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The term "progressive stage of vitiligo" refers to a phase in which the skin condition vitiligo is actively spreading, with new patches forming and existing patches expanding.

The progression phase of vitiligo, also known as its development phase, is characterized by the enlarging and whitening of the skin patches. This phase primarily signifies that the patches are expanding and becoming more pronounced in color. Vitiligo is related to factors such as reduced immunity, genetic heritage, copper deficiency in the body, or local injuries. Through proper treatment, the progression phase can gradually shift into a recovery phase, where melanin increasingly covers the white patches. Some patients may enter a stationary phase where neither medication nor lack of treatment changes the condition of the vitiligo; typically, if there’s no change for over a year, it enters this stationary phase. If it is determined that the vitiligo is in the progression phase, prompt treatment is crucial to prevent the condition from worsening, which could make treatment more difficult.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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What should I do about vitiligo?

Vitiligo belongs to a category of pigmentary disorders, which can affect social interactions and psychological well-being to some extent, but does not affect health and growth. Therefore, it is necessary to approach this condition with scientific rationality. First, it is important to prevent skin trauma, rest adequately, stabilize the body's immune status, and manage sun protection. Symptomatic treatment includes oral administration of drugs such as compound glycyrrhizin tablets and folic acid tablets. Tacrolimus ointment should be applied externally to the lesions. Treatment can also be supplemented with traditional Chinese medicine, including Bai Ling tablets and Qu Bai Ba Bu Qi tablets, although liver and kidney functions must be monitored. Additionally, therapy may include 308 nm excimer laser irradiation, two to three times a week, for a total of 10 to 14 sessions per treatment course.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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How to treat vitiligo that has spread extensively on the body?

Vitiligo is related to reduced immunity, genetic inheritance, copper deficiency in the body, or localized trauma. In some people, the condition can develop quickly, with small white patches appearing and then rapidly spreading over the body in a short period. If this occurs, it is advisable to seek standardized treatment at a dermatology department of a reputable hospital, where oral medications and topical applications are used in combination with 308 laser treatment for faster effects. If the condition does not respond well to treatment, small doses of oral steroids may be used to manage it. During treatment, it is recommended to avoid spicy and irritating foods, not stay up late, eat more black-colored foods, avoid consuming too much vitamin C-rich food, engage in more exercise, and strengthen immunity.

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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.