The Effects of Sun Exposure on the Skin

The initial site of vitiligo is mostly in the sunburnt part of the skin. We know that the lesions of vitiligo are mainly due to partial or complete loss of function of epidermal melanocytes, resulting in obvious lack of melanocytes and melanin in the epidermis, and complete loss of dopa-stained positive melanocytes in the basal layer of the skin.

People after exposure to the sun, due to the hyperfunction of melanocyte, promote melanocyte consumption and early decline; In addition, after exposure to sunlight, melanocytes may be damaged due to excessive production or accumulation of intermediates in the synthesis of melanin by the cells themselves. The above two points explain why people are prone to vitiligo after exposure to the sun.

Clinically, it is necessary for some patients with vitiligo to cooperate with sunlight when receiving treatment. But not all vitiligo patients have to get sun exposure, which needs to be done under the guidance of a doctor. The reason why some patients can be properly irradiated by sunlight is that some of the drugs used to treat vitiligo belong to photosensitive drugs, which need to be combined with early morning and evening sunlight irradiation for treatment. At this time, the UV intensity of sunlight is moderate, which can assist the growth of epidermal melanin to increase its density, accelerate the metabolism of basal melanocytes, and also increase the effect of drugs. Shorten the course of the disease.

The occurrence of vitiligo is not only related to exposure to the sun, but also closely related to the absorption of some chemicals. Some chemicals can induce metabolic disorders in the human body, selectively act on melanocytes, make them denature or death, thus affecting the synthesis of melanin, induce vitiligo.

The onset and exacerbation of vitiligo are often related to irregular daily work and rest. Irregular daily work and rest will lead to disorder of biological clock, trigger neuroendocrine disorders and thus induce the onset or exacerbation of vitiligo.

Vitiligo patients should accumulate regular work and rest, healthy diet, less stay up late, good body from a good state of mind and good habits.