"What Should I Do if I Have White Patches Around My Mouth, Suggesting Vitiligo?"

Vitiligo and Its Treatment Options

Vitiligo is a common acquired depigmenting disorder affecting the skin and mucous membranes, manifesting as localized or generalized white patches. When vitiligo appears around the mouth, patients can manage it through general treatments, medications, and physical therapies. Here's a breakdown:

1. General Treatment

The exact cause of vitiligo remains unclear, with possible links to genetics and autoimmune factors. If vitiligo occurs around the mouth, patients should:

• Protect against sunlight and avoid UV exposure to prevent aggravation.
• Maintain local cleanliness and hygiene, avoiding scratching the affected area to prevent infection.
• Consume foods rich in Vitamin C, such as tomatoes and kiwis, to promote melanocyte production.

2. Medication

For vitiligo around the mouth with a small affected area, patients can use medications under medical supervision, such as tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream. For larger areas, oral glucocorticoids like prednisone tablets and dexamethasone acetate tablets may be prescribed.

3. Physical Therapy

Patients with smaller vitiligo patches can opt for phototherapy, including narrowband UVB phototherapy and excimer laser therapy. Additionally, autologous epidermal grafting and minigrafting are therapeutic options.

It is recommended that vitiligo patients promptly seek treatment at reputable hospitals and receive targeted therapy under medical guidance.