Must patients with vitiligo quit smoking and drinking alcohol?
Disease description:
My son is 25 years old this year. Recently, patches have appeared on his body, and the affected areas are still spreading. He also often experiences itching. After visiting the hospital for examination, he was diagnosed with vitiligo. I would like to know whether patients with vitiligo must quit smoking and drinking alcohol?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
It is recommended that patients with vitiligo quit smoking and abstain from alcohol, although this is not absolutely necessary. Smoking and alcohol consumption have various negative effects on health and may indirectly affect the progression and treatment outcomes of vitiligo. Smoking can reduce immune function, which is detrimental to the recovery from vitiligo, while alcohol may irritate the skin and affect the normal function of melanocytes, thereby worsening vitiligo symptoms. In addition, smoking and alcohol consumption may interfere with drug metabolism and absorption, reducing treatment effectiveness.
As each patient's condition is different, the decision to quit smoking and abstain from alcohol should be made based on individual病情 (condition), lifestyle habits, and medical advice. If vitiligo patients maintain good lifestyle habits and actively cooperate with treatment, favorable treatment outcomes may still be achieved even without quitting smoking or alcohol.
