Is melanocyte transplantation for vitiligo painful?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on January 28, 2025
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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 Xie Ming Feng
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Can people with vitiligo eat mangoes?

Patients with vitiligo can eat mangoes, as mangoes benefit the stomach, quench thirst, and promote urination. They are rich in vitamins A and C. Although long-term excessive intake of vitamin C-rich foods or medications is one of the triggers for vitiligo, vitamin C is also an antioxidant. It can help the body eliminate oxygen free radicals, which can damage our body's melanocytes. Melanocytes are a key factor in vitiligo. Therefore, consuming a moderate amount of vitamin C-rich fruits has little impact on vitiligo; there is no need to avoid them entirely.

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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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Will vitiligo recur after skin grafting?

Vitiligo generally enters a stable phase after which skin grafting is quite effective. The stable phase is typically reached when, after about a year of treatment, there are basically no changes, no worsening or improvement in the condition, which is referred to as the stable phase. Using the method of skin grafting to directly implant melanocytes into the depigmented regions tends to be effective. Generally, after skin grafting, melanin quickly proliferates and extensively covers the depigmented areas. However, the factors causing this disease are quite complex. Some individuals, especially those with lower immunity, might experience recurrence even after a successful graft. Therefore, personal health status and clinical evidence should be considered individually.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What to do if vitiligo spreads during pregnancy?

Generally speaking, during pregnancy, due to reduced immunity, hormonal changes, or deficiencies in vitamins and trace elements, vitiligo can spread and worsen. Using oral and topical medications during this period is troublesome, and pregnant women are generally advised against taking medications. It is advisable to visit the dermatology department of a regular hospital for localized 308 laser treatment, which does not affect pregnant women. It is essential to seek treatment at a reputable medical institution where a doctor can diagnose and provide a treatment plan. During pregnancy, it is recommended to consume more black-colored foods such as black rice, black beans, black sesame, wood ear mushrooms, and mushrooms, while avoiding consuming too much vitamin C-rich food like strawberries, oranges, tomatoes, pineapples, and mangoes.

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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.