A lecture on matters needing attention in life for patients with vitiligo by DONG JIE SUN
Today we invite Professor Sun Dongjie to explain the things that patients with vitiligo need to pay attention to in their daily lives. The following is the main content of this lecture：
1. Not all white spots are vitiligo
The edge of the child’s leukoplakia in the picture is petal-shaped or jagged, not white, and on one side of the limb, so it is a non-pigmented mole
Punctate hypopigmentation, idiopathic leukoplakia
Pityriasis versicolor
None of the above are vitiligo, so how do we distinguish vitiligo?
The vast majority of vitiligo occurs the day after birth, probably after two years of age. Secondly, the boundary of vitiligo is clear, and there are deep pigmented bands around, which can clearly see the color difference with the surrounding skin. Finally, the shape of vitiligo varies in size.
2. Self-assessment of the development of the condition
New or enlarged leukoplakia in the past year is called the active period. New leukoplakia or expansion in the past three months means that the disease is an obvious activity. The treatment methods are different for different periods of vitiligo.
For example, developing vitiligo: blurred edges, itching, erythema, tricolor vitiligo, confetti vitiligo.
3. Problems that need attention in treatment
Vitiligo is largely an inflammatory response. Early enough treatment to prevent inflammation and protect melanocytes is an extremely important part of the treatment. Anti-inflammatory treatment is mainly oral or injection drugs, not only hormones, but also many other non-hormonal drugs.
Active phase: systemic anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and protection of black cells from further destruction.
Stable phase: local treatment is the mainstay, external use, photoelectric therapy (308nm excimer therapy, ultraviolet phototherapy) and other methods are used in a comprehensive way.
Phototherapy: the basic method of rejuvenation of vitiligo
You need to be patient, at least dozens of irradiations can be effective, and the correct purchase and use of phototherapy equipment, home phototherapy is economical for some patients, and the effect is not bad.
4. Matters needing attention in daily life
Many patients have a history of vitiligo, other parts need more attention, vitiligo is induced by both external and internal factors.for example：
Vitiligo after eczema on the back of the feet and calves
Vitiligo in patients with lupus wolves after sun exposure
Vitiligo after sun exposure
Vitiligo in areas where the waistband and collar are easy to rub
It is recommended that facial patients avoid strong sun protection during the active period, and do not take phototherapy temporarily, sunscreen is very important.
During the whole treatment period, the inner and outer clothes are loose, so there is no need to use a bath towel
Try not to wear necklaces, bracelets, watches
Apply moisturizing creams and milks frequently to the active joints, if the above products have anti-oxidant effect, it is better
A good mood and rest are also very important
Control various inflammatory reactions as soon as possible, remove the inducement of disease and repeated illness
Conventional vitiligo topical drugs such as calcineurin inhibitors have such effects