Can people with vitiligo eat lychees?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 12, 2024
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People with vitiligo can indeed eat lychees. Lychees have benefits such as stimulating the appetite, nourishing the blood, dispersing clumps, regulating qi, and relieving pain. Concerns about eating lychees mainly arise from their vitamin C content. It has been suggested that prolonged consumption of vitamin C supplements, such as taking more than 1-3 grams daily for several months, may potentially trigger vitiligo. However, normally consuming moderate amounts of vitamin C-rich foods or fruits does not significantly affect vitiligo. Moreover, it is now believed that reactive oxygen species within the body are one of the factors contributing to the development of vitiligo, and vitamin C, as an antioxidant, can help clear these reactive oxygen species from the body and protect melanocytes. From this perspective, eating vitamin C-rich foods normally does not have any adverse effect on vitiligo.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What fruits can people with vitiligo eat?

Any type of fruit can be consumed as long as it is done normally, appropriately, and in moderation. Even fruits rich in vitamin C have little impact on vitiligo. Consuming fresh fruits normally provides various vitamins and trace elements, which are beneficial to the human body. However, long-term excessive intake of vitamin C-rich foods, medications, or fruits may trigger vitiligo.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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When is the contagious period of vitiligo?

Vitiligo is not contagious, so there is no contagious period. The disease is primarily caused by decreased immunity, genetic heredity, lack of copper elements in the body, or local trauma. Overall, the causes of the disease are complex and may vary from person to person. Once diagnosed, it is crucial to seek treatment at a reputable dermatology department in a formal hospital. Treatment typically includes oral medication combined with topical medication and supplemented by 308 laser therapy, which generally yields good results. Since the disease is not contagious, it cannot be transmitted through contact with others. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid staying up late, exercise regularly, and strengthen the immune system, as these practices can aid in the treatment.

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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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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
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What are the characteristics of the stable period of vitiligo?

The stable phase of vitiligo is defined as a period of at least six months, or even more than a year, during which there are no changes in the localized white patches on the body, regardless of whether treatment is administered or not. During this phase, the white patches neither progress nor recover. Treatments during the stable phase are generally not very effective; oral medications, topical applications, and even treatment with a 308 laser typically show little change. The most common treatment plan during the stable phase still involves melanocyte transplantation. Patients should visit a dermatology department at a certified hospital to get a proper diagnosis and specific treatment. During the treatment period, it is important to enhance physical exercise to boost immunity, consume foods rich in black pigments, and limit intake of foods high in Vitamin C. After recovery, measures should be taken to prevent relapse and consolidate the treatment results.