How to treat vitiligo that has spread extensively on the body?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on May 23, 2025
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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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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 Liu Gang
Dermatology
49sec home-news-image

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 Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
1min 7sec home-news-image

Is there a difference between white patches and vitiligo?

White patches and vitiligo have clear distinctions. White patches primarily refer to localized hypopigmentation on the skin, a type of macule where pigment loss occurs due to a reduction in function or number of melanocytes. White patches can appear on the skin due to various reasons or diseases, including post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, tinea versicolor, and pityriasis alba. Vitiligo, on the other hand, usually refers to a specific skin condition. The causes of vitiligo are multiple and can be related to psychological factors, autoimmune dysfunction, leading to the destruction and reduction in melanocytes. The appearance of white patches in localized skin areas is called vitiligo, and its typical lesion is also a localized white patch, which is a type of white patch. Therefore, diseases causing white patches could potentially include vitiligo or other conditions. Vitiligo is just one possible cause of white 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 Liu Gang
Dermatology
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How to determine if the white patches on the face are vitiligo

The most common diagnostic methods for vitiligo currently are the Wood's lamp and a dermatoscope. If white patches appear on the face, it is best to visit the dermatology department of a formal hospital for an examination with a dermatoscope and Wood's lamp, which can essentially determine whether it is vitiligo. If the white patches appear around the mouth, beside the nose, or near the eyes, there is a higher probability that these are vitiligo. If the white patches develop on the eyebrows or where there is hair, and if the hair also starts turning white, it can generally be confirmed as vitiligo. If diagnosed with vitiligo, it is necessary to seek treatment promptly. Generally, a combination of oral and topical medications along with 308 laser treatment can be quite effective. Additionally, some facial white patches may simply be pityriasis versicolor, which is somewhat related to fungal infections.