The difference between vitiligo and vitiligo

Many people often confuse white spots with vitiligo (Vitiligo), because white spots are a typical symptom of vitiligo. But not all white spots on the skin are vitiligo. The symptoms of many other diseases are mainly white spots on the skin. So, what is the difference between vitiligo and vitiligo? Let's find out

Vitiligo refers to patches on the skin and mucous membranes that appear lighter than normal skin color and are mainly caused by skin pigmentation or depigmentation. White spots caused by various causes have different characteristics. First, white spots are divided into hypopigmented spots and hypopigmented spots according to their color. Hypopigmented spots are lighter than normal skin color but do not turn porcelain white. In addition, the edges of different white spots also have different characteristics. Some white spots have clear borders and the surrounding pigment is deepened, such as white atrophy, discoid lupus erythematosus, etc.; some white spots have blurred borders and are generally hypopigmented spots.

Vitiligo is a common pigmented skin disease. The disease is characterized by localized or systemic depigmentation that forms white spots. This is an acquired localized or generalized depigmentation of the skin. It is a common skin disease that affects beauty. Diagnosis is easy, treatment is difficult. Traditional Chinese medicine calls it "vitiligo" or "vitiligo". Vitiligo is acquired localized white spots caused by loss of skin pigmentation, making local skin look like white spots.

The external symptoms of vitiligo are: the skin color of the skin lesions is reduced and whitened, including off-white, milky white or porcelain white, and generally there is no conscious discomfort. In a few cases, there is local itching before or at the same time. Some patients develop itching due to certain factors when their condition is stable, and then white spots expand or new white spots appear, and some patients develop white hair.

In terms of diagnosis, the diagnosis of vitiligo usually relies on clinical manifestations. Doctors will make a preliminary judgment by observing the shape, distribution and other characteristics of white spots. In addition, the loss of melanin in the lesion area is usually confirmed by means such as Wood's lamp examination or ultraviolet exposure test. If necessary, the doctor may also perform a tissue biopsy to rule out other skin diseases.

For vitiligo, the differential diagnosis is more complex. Since there are various causes of white spots, doctors need to determine the specific cause based on the patient's medical history, clinical manifestations, and laboratory tests. For example, if the white spots are suspected to be caused by a fungal infection, a fungal culture or skin scraping may be needed.

In terms of treatment methods, the main goal of vitiligo treatment is to restore melanocyte function. Commonly used treatments include phototherapy (such as narrow-band UVB phototherapy), topical drugs (such as hormone ointments), and immunityInhibitors and oral medications, etc. In addition, skin grafting is an option for some patients to restore skin color by transplanting normal pigment cells into the areas of vitiligo. However, the treatment effect of vitiligo varies between individuals. Some patients may have better recovery, while others may have recurring attacks that are difficult to cure.

In contrast, treatment for vitiligo needs to be targeted based on its specific cause. For example, for vitiligo caused by fungal infection, antifungal drugs may be the first choice, while for depigmentation caused by trauma, topical hormonal drugs or other treatments that promote pigment regeneration may be needed.

(Click to view the introduction of drugs for treating vitiligo)

References:https://www.reddit.com/user/alopah/comments/pxpm8c/what_is_the_difference_between_vitiligo_and/?rdt=62129