What should I do if the hair remains white after white patches have healed?
Feb 01, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Introduction
White hair remaining after vitiligo improvement may be caused by incomplete recovery, hormonal changes, pigment loss, vitiligo spreading, or psoriasis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. In daily life, maintain healthy habits and avoid spicy, irritating foods such as Sichuan pepper, chili peppers, and garlic, which may hinder recovery.
Under normal circumstances, white body hair may persist even after vitiligo has improved, which could be caused by incomplete recovery, hormonal changes, pigment loss, vitiligo spreading, or psoriasis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific explanations are as follows:
1. Incomplete Recovery
If a patient's vitiligo symptoms are severe, melanocytes may be damaged, leading to white body hair. Proper sun protection in daily life can help alleviate symptoms.
2. Hormonal Changes
Variations in hormone levels may affect melanocytes in the skin, reducing their number and causing hair to turn white. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and avoiding staying up late can promote overall health and relieve discomfort.
3. Pigment Loss
Vitiligo occurs due to damage or reduction of melanocytes in the skin, causing patches to lose normal pigmentation. Hair color is typically related to the pigmentation of surrounding skin; if melanocyte loss is severe, body hair may become white. Consuming foods rich in melanin, such as black sesame seeds, black rice, and black beans, may help alleviate symptoms.
4. Vitiligo Spreading
During the progression of vitiligo, lesions may spread to surrounding areas, potentially causing all tissues—including body hair—in those regions to lose normal pigmentation. Even after vitiligo improves, this symptom may persist. Treatments may include topical medications such as tretinoin cream, calamine lotion, or tacrolimus ointment, used as directed by a doctor.
5. Psoriasis
If psoriasis develops during the recovery process—possibly triggered by environmental pollution—it may also lead to white body hair. This condition may also be accompanied by discomforts such as itching and pain. Under medical supervision, medications such as calcipotriol ointment, tacalcitol ointment, or tazarotene gel may be used to relieve symptoms.
Maintain healthy lifestyle habits and avoid consuming spicy or irritating foods such as Sichuan pepper, chili peppers, and garlic, as these may hinder recovery.
