How to determine if the white patches on the face are vitiligo

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on May 24, 2025
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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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Why do babies get vitiligo?

There are many factors contributing to the formation of vitiligo, and the most common factors related to its onset include reduced immunity, genetic heredity, copper deficiency in the body, or localized trauma, but the specific cause of the disease is difficult to determine and is currently an international challenge. The appearance of vitiligo in children may be related to a copper deficiency or low immunity. It is advisable to visit a dermatologist at a formal hospital to determine the appropriate treatment. The most conventional treatment generally includes oral medications and topical drugs, combined with 308 laser therapy. It is also advisable to get moderate sun exposure, consume more black-colored foods, and avoid excessive intake of vitamin C-rich foods. Additionally, children should engage in appropriate exercise to enhance their immunity.

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Written by He Da Wei
Dermatology
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early symptoms of vitiligo

The best treatment period for vitiligo is in its early stages, but the early symptoms of vitiligo are easy to overlook, often presenting as smooth white patches the size of nails, with few depigmented patches, typically only 1-2, and most commonly appearing on exposed areas of the skin. Sometimes, the color of the depigmented patches is not very different from the surrounding skin, making it difficult to detect. Vitiligo generally occurs in areas susceptible to sunlight exposure and friction damage, and it mostly affects adolescents, generally before the age of 20. Many teenagers might feel too young to experience serious health issues, thus neglecting to monitor their health. However, early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial and delays or blind treatment should be avoided.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can vitiligo patches be tattooed?

Vitiligo is related to decreased immunity, genetic heredity, copper deficiency in the body, or local trauma. Therefore, it is advised not to tattoo over vitiligo patches, as tattooing can cause trauma to the skin surface and potentially lead to more severe loss of melanin. People with this condition should avoid getting tattoos. They should seek standard treatment at a regular hospital's dermatology department. Treatment typically involves oral medications, topical medications, and the use of a 308-nm excimer laser, which can accelerate recovery. During treatment, it is important to exercise regularly to boost immunity. It is recommended to eat more black foods and to avoid an excess of vitamin C-rich foods and spicy, stimulating foods. Try to avoid staying up late.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can late-stage vitiligo be life-threatening?

Generally speaking clinically, vitiligo does not have a concept of a late stage, but if the disease has been present for a long time and covers a large area, treatment can be troublesome. Vitiligo poses no harm to life and health; even if the affected area is large, it does not threaten life, but treatment can be troublesome, requiring long-term commitment and substantial costs. Once detected, it is best to seek formal treatment at a dermatology department of a standard hospital. Generally, doctors will formulate a treatment plan based on the individual's condition. The combination of oral medication, topical medication, and 308 laser therapy is currently the most effective method for treating vitiligo. During the treatment period, it is also important to strengthen physical exercise to enhance immunity, helping to prevent the complete loss of melanin after it is deposited.

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Written by Liu Gang
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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.