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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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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can patients with vitiligo use mobile phones?

Generally speaking, playing with mobile phones does not affect patients with vitiligo, but it is important not to stay up late while using them. If staying up late regularly leads to a decreased immune function, it can worsen the symptoms of vitiligo. Vitiligo is mainly associated with reduced immunity, genetic heritage, a lack of copper in the body, or local trauma. Once detected, it is crucial to seek formal treatment in the dermatology department of a reputable hospital. Oral medication combined with topical drugs, along with the 308 laser treatment, yields better results. Consuming more black-colored foods is recommended, while it is best to avoid consuming too much food rich in vitamin C. If long-term treatment is ineffective, melanin transplantation can also be considered. It is essential to undergo formal treatment; otherwise, the affected area may continue to expand, and the difficulty of treatment will also increase.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What are the instruments for vitiligo examination?

The most commonly used instruments for diagnosing vitiligo currently are the Wood's lamp and the dermatoscope, with the Wood's lamp being used slightly more frequently in clinical settings. After the appearance of white patches on the body, one can first visit the dermatology department of a formal hospital for an examination with the Wood's lamp. If it is vitiligo, the patches will appear brightly white under the lamp, with clear edges. This disease has a certain degree of recurrence, and it is crucial to undergo formal treatment once diagnosed. During treatment, it is advisable to enhance physical exercise, boost immunity, and largely avoid eating spicy and irritating foods. Treatment can include oral medication, topical medication, and the use of a 308 nm UVB laser, which can accelerate recovery. It's beneficial to consume foods rich in black pigments, and it is advisable to avoid consuming excessive amounts of Vitamin C-rich foods. Persisting with the treatment usually yields good results.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What are the advantages of epidermal grafting for vitiligo?

Epidermal grafting is suitable for vitiligo in its stable phase, where patches on the body have not changed for at least six months and have not improved with treatment. At this stage, one can opt for epidermal grafting, which involves relatively minor trauma and is not too costly. The local growth of melanin is rapid, and the results tend to be favorable for patients in the stable phase. During the treatment period, it's essential to avoid spicy and irritating foods, consume more black-colored foods, avoid excessive intake of vitamin C-rich foods, enhance physical exercise to boost immunity, and keep the treated area dry and free from friction to prevent melanin loss.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What are the early symptoms of vitiligo?

The early symptoms of vitiligo generally appear as a white patch on a localized area of the skin. Initially, the color is not very white, appearing as a vague, hazy white patch. As the condition gradually progresses, the color of the patch becomes whiter and its area expands. If the white patch appears in areas with hair, such as eyebrows, armpits, or the scalp, the hair in these areas will also gradually turn white. Some patients with vitiligo may experience localized itching, but most patients do not experience any discomfort. Once vitiligo is discovered, it is crucial to seek formal treatment at a hospital. Generally, a combination of oral and topical medications, along with 308 laser therapy, yields relatively good results. Treatment can be more challenging if the affected area is large, whereas smaller areas are relatively easier to treat.