Can vitiligo develop into skin cancer?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on February 05, 2025
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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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What are the treatment methods for vitiligo?

Currently, there are many methods to treat vitiligo, with the most traditional being oral and topical medications, combined with 308 laser treatment. For larger affected areas, fire needle therapy followed by 308 laser treatment can also be used. If the vitiligo is in a stable phase, meaning there has been no change for at least a year, whether treated or not, and no expansion or shrinkage has been observed, this is called the stable phase. In such cases, melanocyte transplantation can be employed. Generally, the more methods are used to treat vitiligo, the better the outcomes. It is advisable to seek treatment in the dermatology department of a reputable hospital using standardized treatments. Avoid using folk remedies or single treatments, as they may delay proper treatment and complicate the condition.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Does vitiligo spread through close contact?

Vitiligo is a type of autoimmune systemic disease. The most common causes of the disease are decreased immunity, genetic heredity, copper deficiency in the body, or local injuries. This disease is not contagious, which means that contact or living together will not transmit it to each other, and this can be reassured. However, treating this disease can be quite troublesome, time-consuming, and slow in showing results. Once diagnosed, it is essential to seek treatment in the dermatology department of a reputable hospital. Treatment options can include oral medication combined with topical drugs and 308 laser treatment, which tends to have quicker effects. During and after the treatment, it is necessary to continue using medication to consolidate the effects, enhance physical exercise, boost immunity, and consume more black-colored foods. Foods rich in vitamin C should not be consumed in excess.

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

People with vitiligo can eat watermelon. Watermelon has the effects of cooling and relieving heat, eliminating irritability, quenching thirst, and promoting urination. From the perspective of Western medicine, it has a diuretic effect, similar to water, and is a fruit commonly eaten in summer. Although long-term excessive intake of vitamin C is one of the inducers of vitiligo, especially when the daily intake exceeds 1-3 grams for several consecutive months, it can induce vitiligo. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, and it helps us clear free radicals in the body. These oxygen free radicals can damage the melanocytes in our body. Vitiligo is also caused by damage to melanocytes, reduced production or excessive loss. Therefore, some experts even use vitamin C to treat vitiligo. Thus, moderate consumption of fruits containing vitamin C, such as watermelon, has no negative impact. There is no need to avoid eating these fresh fruits entirely due to fear of potential effects.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Is the appearance of white spots on the back vitiligo?

White patches on the back are not necessarily vitiligo; they could also be tinea versicolor. Tinea versicolor is caused by a fungal infection, generally contagious, and may gradually increase in number after the appearance of one. Additionally, these patches are somewhat blurry in color, not the porcelain white typically seen with vitiligo. If it is vitiligo, the situation is more complicated, and it is necessary to seek formal treatment at a dermatology department of a standard hospital. In the current situation, it is advisable to visit a dermatology department in a formal hospital and use a Wood's lamp or dermatoscope for differential diagnosis to definitively determine if the condition is vitiligo. If it is tinea versicolor, applying antifungal cream alone can completely cure it. If it is vitiligo, a comprehensive treatment is required, involving oral and topical medications, along with 308-nm excimer laser therapy.