The causes of vitiligo

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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.

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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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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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side effects of vitiligo medication

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.

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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 Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Can people with vitiligo eat watermelon?

People with vitiligo can eat watermelon. Watermelon has the effects of cooling and relieving heat, eliminating irritability, quenching thirst, and promoting urination. From the perspective of Western medicine, it has a diuretic effect, similar to water, and is a fruit commonly eaten in summer. Although long-term excessive intake of vitamin C is one of the inducers of vitiligo, especially when the daily intake exceeds 1-3 grams for several consecutive months, it can induce vitiligo. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, and it helps us clear free radicals in the body. These oxygen free radicals can damage the melanocytes in our body. Vitiligo is also caused by damage to melanocytes, reduced production or excessive loss. Therefore, some experts even use vitamin C to treat vitiligo. Thus, moderate consumption of fruits containing vitamin C, such as watermelon, has no negative impact. There is no need to avoid eating these fresh fruits entirely due to fear of potential effects.