Early Signs of Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a common skin disease mainly manifested by depigmentation of skin and mucous membrane. The etiology is still unclear, but it may be the result of a variety of factors together. It has a certain heritability and a certain tendency of family aggregation in clinical practice. Some patients with vitiligo can have precursor symptoms. The precursor symptoms of patients with vitiligo are generally skin lesions, and white spots, usually halo nevus white spots, may appear on the exposed parts and friction parts of patients, especially on the head, face, neck, back of hand and wrist, and mucosal parts such as vulva and lips. The skin can be spotty or patchy and lightening, usually without pain, itching, redness and other symptoms. If the above precursor symptoms persist, the edge of the nevus white spot in patients will gradually blur, and a few patients may have itching, redness and other symptoms.

If the patient has the above symptoms, especially the appearance of halo nevus white spot, or even accompanied by itching, redness and other symptoms, it is recommended that the patient see a doctor in time, at this time there is the possibility of development of vitiligo. At this time, although the patient does not need special treatment, it is recommended that the patient visit the hospital regularly under the guidance of the doctor. The patient can be reexamined once every six months for one year to determine whether the patient's skin lesions can be gradually subsided. If nevus leukoplakia resolves itself, it usually takes months or years, and the patient's skin lesions can recover to a certain extent. If not gradually resolved, the patient may have concurrent vitiligo. Patients may gradually develop the typical skin lesions of vitiligo, which are manifested as white patches of different sizes and shapes, or a series of clinical manifestations such as trichromatic vitiligo, purple floc leukoplakia or hypopigmentation. Clinically, vitiligo is generally diagnosed according to the acquired milky depigmentation spots with or without conscious symptoms, and can also be combined with wood lamp, dermoscope, skin CT and other auxiliary examinations to help diagnosis.

Vitiligo is not life-threatening, but it can affect the patient's appearance and social activities, among other things. Therefore, if a patient has vitiligo, early diagnosis and treatment should be carried out, and individualized comprehensive therapy should be adopted for formal treatment. Glucocorticoids such as fluticasone propionate and prednisone can be applied according to the doctor's advice, and regular follow-up should be conducted during and after treatment. In daily life, patients should also avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, and wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers, umbrellas and sun hats when going out.