Q My white patches keep spreading and I'm so anxious. Can the spreading be stopped?
A Halting progression is the most important first goal of vitiligo treatment. By stabilizing the immune system's excessive attack, the rate at which new patches form and spread can be slowed or stopped.
Detailed Answer
Vitiligo can spread rapidly during an active phase yet remain unchanged for a long time during a stable phase. If it is currently in a spreading stage, halting progression is the top priority above all, and for this it is best to act quickly with treatment that calms the immune system's excessive reaction. Once progression stops and it enters a stable phase, repigmentation can then be pursued.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At a Korean medicine clinic, spreading vitiligo is seen as "a state in which the immune system has overheated and keeps attacking melanocytes," and we focus first on cooling that overheating to stabilize it. Putting out the fire comes first; filling in new flesh (pigment) comes next. Keeping this order is the fastest way to reduce anxiety.
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Q
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