What are the advantages of epidermal grafting for vitiligo?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on October 22, 2024
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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 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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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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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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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.

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The causes of vitiligo

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.