Does vitiligo spread through contagion?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on November 22, 2024
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Vitiligo is not contagious, and it will not be transmitted to others through contact once it appears. However, this disease does tend to have a genetic predisposition. The main factors contributing to vitiligo include decreased immunity, a deficiency of copper in the body, localized trauma, or genetic heredity. There are also some reasons that cannot be fully identified through medical examination. After vitiligo appears, its progression varies from person to person. Some patients experience rapid development, with the affected area expanding significantly within a few months, while others see slower progression. Generally, if the spread is quick, it is necessary to seek routine treatment promptly. If the affected area is small and the progression is very slow, it might be reasonable to observe for a while to monitor the development of the patches before deciding on the treatment approach. In any case, it is crucial to take vitiligo seriously upon its onset, continuously observe its progression, consult a doctor to assess the severity of the condition, and receive appropriate treatment.

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

People with vitiligo can eat beef. Beef is delicious and is a high-protein, low-fat quality meat, ranking as the second largest meat product consumed in China. Patients with vitiligo should eat more foods rich in tyrosine or minerals such as copper and iron, including beef, as well as rabbit meat, pork, animal liver, chicken eggs, duck eggs, milk, and some shellfish, such as snails, etc.

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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.

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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 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
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Will vitiligo recur after skin grafting?

Vitiligo generally enters a stable phase after which skin grafting is quite effective. The stable phase is typically reached when, after about a year of treatment, there are basically no changes, no worsening or improvement in the condition, which is referred to as the stable phase. Using the method of skin grafting to directly implant melanocytes into the depigmented regions tends to be effective. Generally, after skin grafting, melanin quickly proliferates and extensively covers the depigmented areas. However, the factors causing this disease are quite complex. Some individuals, especially those with lower immunity, might experience recurrence even after a successful graft. Therefore, personal health status and clinical evidence should be considered individually.