What to do if vitiligo spreads during pregnancy?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on November 27, 2024
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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 Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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How to diagnose vitiligo in babies?

Babies diagnosed with vitiligo generally need to be differentiated from the following diseases. The first is anemic nevus, which is a congenital hypopigmentation that often exists at birth. If you rub the skin in the affected area, it does not turn red, while the surrounding normal skin does. Another is achromic nevus, which appears at or shortly after birth, characterized by localized hypopigmentation that often follows the distribution of nerve segments, with blurry boundaries. Additionally, there is tinea versicolor, which tends to occur in hot weather, with hypopigmented patches that have a bran-like or scaly appearance and a positive fungal test. It also needs to be differentiated from pityriasis alba, also known as white pityriasis, which commonly appears on children's faces and has a slightly rough surface. Generally, vitiligo diagnosis still requires further confirmation through tests such as Wood's lamp, dermatoscopy, skin CT, and fungal examinations.

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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.

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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 Zeng Xian Fu
General Surgery
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Is the effect of epidermal grafting surgery for vitiligo good?

Vitiligo can be treated with epidermal grafting. Currently, patients with stable conditions, including localized vitiligo and segmental vitiligo, can achieve good results from the transplantation of epidermal pigments. The treatment method involves selecting the skin epidermis from the thigh or abdomen, using an epidermis separator to detach the epidermis, and attaching the skin flap to the depigmented spots, which are polished. This method can effectively treat localized or stable vitiligo and achieve satisfactory results. Therefore, skin grafting surgery for vitiligo can be quite effective. However, the occurrence of vitiligo is related to the immune system, and there is still a possibility of recurrence after successful treatment.

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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.