Is the appearance of white spots on the back vitiligo?

Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

Updated on March 07, 2025

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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.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

54sec

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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 Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

1min 7sec

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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

50sec

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The usual sites of onset for vitiligo are generally where?

Vitiligo can occur in a wide range of areas on the body, including the skin, torso, face, scalp, and even male-specific areas such as the scrotum, foreskin, and glans. It can also appear on the mucous membranes of the lips. Once this disease is diagnosed, it is essential to undergo formal treatment. Patients should visit a dermatology department at a standard hospital and receive a combination of oral and topical medications. Using a 308 nm excalibur laser can enhance the treatment effects, particularly on mucosal areas where healing tends to be slower; persistence over a long period is crucial. During treatment, it is important to exercise regularly, strengthen immunity, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and refrain from staying up late.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

43sec

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Can people with vitiligo eat bananas?

People with vitiligo can eat bananas. Bananas have the properties of clearing heat and detoxification, moisturizing the intestines to relieve constipation, and moistening the lungs to stop coughing. They also contain vitamin C. Long-term excessive intake of vitamin C is one of the inducers of vitiligo, but vitamin C is also an antioxidant. It can help to eliminate oxygen free radicals in the body, and excessive oxygen free radicals can damage our melanocytes. Therefore, eating a moderate amount of fruits containing vitamin C, such as bananas, has little impact on vitiligo. Thus, there is no need to avoid eating fresh fruits altogether.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

59sec

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Patients with vitiligo should see the dermatology department.

Vitiligo belongs to the category of dermatological diseases, and its treatment requires seeking care from the dermatology department of a reputable hospital. This disease is associated with factors such as decreased immunity, family genetics, ketone deficiency in the body, or local trauma. If white patches appear on the body, it is necessary to visit a dermatology department at a reputable hospital and use a Wood's lamp for diagnosis to confirm whether it is vitiligo. If confirmed, active treatment should be pursued, typically involving oral medication, topical medication, and laser therapy. During treatment, it is important to exercise to strengthen the immune system, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and consume more black-colored foods, while limiting the intake of foods rich in vitamin C. After recovery, it is advisable to use a Wood's lamp again to check that the pigmentation is even. Regular exercise post-recovery can effectively prevent the recurrence of the disease.