The usual sites of onset for vitiligo are generally where?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on March 04, 2025
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Vitiligo can occur in a wide range of areas on the body, including the skin, torso, face, scalp, and even male-specific areas such as the scrotum, foreskin, and glans. It can also appear on the mucous membranes of the lips. Once this disease is diagnosed, it is essential to undergo formal treatment. Patients should visit a dermatology department at a standard hospital and receive a combination of oral and topical medications. Using a 308 nm excalibur laser can enhance the treatment effects, particularly on mucosal areas where healing tends to be slower; persistence over a long period is crucial. During treatment, it is important to exercise regularly, strengthen immunity, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and refrain from staying up late.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Is a white patch on the face vitiligo?

White patches on the face are common, with the most typical being pityriasis alba or pityriasis versicolor. These conditions are generally related to a lack of vitamins, trace elements, or fungal infections on the skin's surface. These types of patches are usually vague, with unclear boundaries and may also have some fine scales on them. The second type of white patch is vitiligo, which is usually much whiter. When examined under a Wood's lamp, they appear bright white and have irregular edges, with a tendency for the patches to expand over time. Another type of white patch is the nevus depigmentosus, which is congenital and present from birth. These patches generally do not expand and are not particularly white. If there is any uncertainty, it is best to consult a dermatologist at a reputable hospital and have it confirmed with a Wood’s lamp or a dermatoscope.

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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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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.

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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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What are the symptoms of vitiligo on the head?

Vitiligo has numerous causative factors, including diminished immune function, genetic predisposition, copper deficiency in the body, or localized trauma. Vitiligo commonly manifests on the scalp as white, patchy areas of skin, and the hair attached to these patches may also turn white. In some cases, the affected area may gradually expand, spreading to the face or the trunk of the body. Once white patches are observed on the scalp, and the hair in these patches turns white, it is strongly suspected to be vitiligo and should be medically treated at a dermatology department in a reputable hospital. If the affected area is small, complete recovery is possible with proper treatment. During treatment, it is important to exercise regularly and boost the immune system.