Can vitiligo develop into skin cancer?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on February 05, 2025
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Vitiligo is a condition where melanin is lost from the epidermis, leading to the formation of white patches on the skin surface; this condition is not related to the skin itself. Vitiligo generally progresses with an increase in the area and whiteness of the patches, or an increase in the number of patches on the body, but it does not develop into skin cancer. Once diagnosed with vitiligo, it is essential to seek standard treatment at the dermatology department of a formal hospital, because the treatment period is relatively long, requires long-term medication, and involves treatment with 308-nm excimer laser. During treatment, it is important to exercise to boost immunity and avoid spicy and irritating foods. Eating more black-colored foods and limiting the intake of foods rich in Vitamin C is advisable. Even after complete recovery, continuing medication for a while to consolidate the treatment is recommended.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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The term "progressive stage of vitiligo" refers to a phase in which the skin condition vitiligo is actively spreading, with new patches forming and existing patches expanding.

The progression phase of vitiligo, also known as its development phase, is characterized by the enlarging and whitening of the skin patches. This phase primarily signifies that the patches are expanding and becoming more pronounced in color. Vitiligo is related to factors such as reduced immunity, genetic heritage, copper deficiency in the body, or local injuries. Through proper treatment, the progression phase can gradually shift into a recovery phase, where melanin increasingly covers the white patches. Some patients may enter a stationary phase where neither medication nor lack of treatment changes the condition of the vitiligo; typically, if there’s no change for over a year, it enters this stationary phase. If it is determined that the vitiligo is in the progression phase, prompt treatment is crucial to prevent the condition from worsening, which could make treatment more difficult.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Can people with vitiligo eat apples?

People with vitiligo can eat apples, however, long-term excessive intake of vitamin C is one of the inducers of vitiligo. Generally, consuming vitamin C in daily amounts exceeding 1-3 grams for several months could potentially trigger vitiligo. Nevertheless, vitamin C is also an antioxidant, which can help eliminate oxygen free radicals in the body. Excessive oxygen free radicals can also damage our melanocytes. Therefore, eating an appropriate amount of fruits containing vitamin C does not greatly affect vitiligo, and there is no need to completely avoid fresh fruits and foods containing vitamin C.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Why do babies get vitiligo?

There are many factors contributing to the formation of vitiligo, and the most common factors related to its onset include reduced immunity, genetic heredity, copper deficiency in the body, or localized trauma, but the specific cause of the disease is difficult to determine and is currently an international challenge. The appearance of vitiligo in children may be related to a copper deficiency or low immunity. It is advisable to visit a dermatologist at a formal hospital to determine the appropriate treatment. The most conventional treatment generally includes oral medications and topical drugs, combined with 308 laser therapy. It is also advisable to get moderate sun exposure, consume more black-colored foods, and avoid excessive intake of vitamin C-rich foods. Additionally, children should engage in appropriate exercise to enhance their immunity.

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Written by He Da Wei
Dermatology
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early symptoms of vitiligo

The best treatment period for vitiligo is in its early stages, but the early symptoms of vitiligo are easy to overlook, often presenting as smooth white patches the size of nails, with few depigmented patches, typically only 1-2, and most commonly appearing on exposed areas of the skin. Sometimes, the color of the depigmented patches is not very different from the surrounding skin, making it difficult to detect. Vitiligo generally occurs in areas susceptible to sunlight exposure and friction damage, and it mostly affects adolescents, generally before the age of 20. Many teenagers might feel too young to experience serious health issues, thus neglecting to monitor their health. However, early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial and delays or blind treatment should be avoided.

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Written by Liu Gang
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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.