side effects of vitiligo medication

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 24, 2024
00:00
00:00

Currently, most of the drugs used to treat vitiligo are traditional Chinese medicines, and they generally have relatively low side effects. However, because the effects of treatment for this disease are slow and the treatment cycle is long, long-term treatment is needed. Therefore, the biggest side effect of long-term oral administration of traditional Chinese medicines is the potential damage to the liver. During the entire treatment process, liver function can be rechecked after using the medication for three months. If the liver function is normal, these medicines can continue to be used. During the medication process, some liver-protecting drugs can also be taken orally. Commonly used topical medications can initially irritate the skin, causing symptoms such as redness, itching, or blistering, but these symptoms will gradually disappear with long-term use.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
50sec home-news-image

Segmental vitiligo treatment

There are currently multiple ways to treat segmental vitiligo, with the most conventional being a combination of oral medication, topical medication, and 308 laser treatment. If the disease is in the stable phase, melanocyte transplantation can also be considered. The stable phase refers to the condition where, after repeated treatments, there are no changes, no recovery, and no further expansion for a year. This disease is somewhat related to personal immunity, so it is important to regularly exercise to strengthen immunity, consume more dark-colored foods, and avoid eating too much food rich in vitamin C. Proper treatment at a qualified hospital's dermatology department can lead to a complete cure of the disease with persistent treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
51sec home-news-image

Does vitiligo cause peeling skin?

Vitiligo generally appears as smooth white patches on the skin surface, without peeling or flaky skin. Peeling usually occurs only after exposure to 308 laser treatment. This disease is related to reduced immunity, genetic factors, copper deficiency in the body, or local trauma. Treatment must be formal and persistent, typically oral medication combined with topical agents and enhanced by 308 laser therapy for quicker results. During treatment, it is important to exercise to boost immunity. Regularly consume foods rich in black pigments and limit intake of foods high in vitamin C. Avoid local injuries and maintain long-term consolidation after recovery to prevent relapse.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
48sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
1min 6sec home-news-image

Will vitiligo keep spreading?

Vitiligo is related to one's immunity, hereditary factors, copper deficiency in the body, or local trauma. Once vitiligo is detected, it often continues to spread, especially in individuals with very weak physiques, where the spreading might occur rapidly. Upon detection, it is advisable to seek diagnosis and standard treatment at a dermatology department in a reputable hospital. The treatment usually involves a combination of oral medication, topical medication, and 308 laser therapy. During treatment, it is important to exercise to boost immunity, avoid spicy and irritating foods, avoid staying up late, and eat more dark-colored foods. Foods rich in vitamin C should be consumed in moderation. Treating vitiligo can be slow and requires long-term persistence. Once detected, efforts should be made to prevent the condition from spreading further, as larger affected areas can result in poorer treatment outcomes.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
46sec home-news-image

What areas does vitiligo initially appear on?

Common initial sites of vitiligo occurrence are actually irregular. Any part of the body that is covered with skin and has melanin can show symptoms of vitiligo. However, it is more likely to appear on the limbs or facial area for most people. This disease is mainly related to reduced autoimmunity, genetic inheritance, a deficiency in copper in the body, or local trauma. Once diagnosed, it is essential to seek standard treatments, which can include oral medications, topical medications, and 308 laser therapy. With regular and long-term treatment, most cases of small areas are relatively easy to treat. For larger areas affecting the whole body, melanocyte transplantation can also be considered.