What elements should be supplemented for vitiligo?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on March 21, 2025
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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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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.

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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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Is melanocyte transplantation for vitiligo painful?

Vitiligo melanocyte transplantation is essentially painless. It mainly involves extracting small blisters from the abdomen using a cellular base, then clearing the blister fluid and using the blister's epidermis to cover the affected vitiligo areas. These vitiligo areas are first abraded with a machine until slight bleeding occurs, allowing the epidermis to be covered. There is essentially no pain. Melanocyte transplantation for vitiligo is generally suitable for patients in a stable phase, meaning the vitiligo has not changed for at least six months. It is recommended that during treatment, patients should combine oral medication with topical drugs and eat more black foods. Foods rich in vitamin C should be consumed in moderation.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Is vitiligo symmetrical?

Vitiligo is a disease that can occur on any part of the body covered with skin and melanin, hence it does not exhibit specific symmetry. It can appear sporadically across the body or symmetrically in one area. The main causes are often linked to a decrease in immunity, genetic factors, a deficiency in copper, or a lack of vitamins and trace elements. Upon diagnosis, it is crucial to seek standard medical treatment. It is recommended to consult the dermatology department of a reputable hospital. Treatment typically involves a combination of oral and topical medications along with 308nm excimer laser therapy, which tends to provide rapid effects. Regular exercise to boost immunity, and consuming foods rich in melanin are advisable, whereas excessive consumption of vitamin C-rich foods should be avoided.

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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.