Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a common primary disorder involving loss of pigment in the skin and mucous membranes, characterized by localized or widespread complete depigmentation. Also known as “vitiligo,” it is clinically characterized by lightened or white patches with clearly defined borders and no subjective symptoms. It can occur at any age, with a roughly equal incidence in males and females, but is more common in young people. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this condition is also called “Baiban” or “Baibofeng.”
TCM Pattern Differentiation and Medication Reference
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
White patches are often map-like or oval, occur symmetrically, and may progress rapidly. They are often accompanied by irritability, distending fullness in the chest and flanks, and irregular menstruation. The tongue is somewhat red, with a thin coating; the pulse is wiry.
In plain language:
- White patches on the skin are often map-like or oval, commonly appear symmetrically on both sides, and may progress quickly.
- You may become irritable or angry easily, especially when feeling upset.
- You may often feel distending fullness or discomfort in the chest and along the sides of the body.
- Menstrual cycles and flow may be irregular, with periods occurring early or late, or with unusually light or heavy flow.
- The tongue may appear somewhat red, but not bright red.
- The tongue coating is relatively thin and light.
- The pulse may feel taut like a string under pressure, with a noticeable tension.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Soothe the liver and regulate Qi; resolve stasis and unblock the collaterals.
In plain language:
- May help soothe Liver Qi and regulate the flow of Qi, easing discomforts such as distending fullness in the chest and flanks, difficulty belching, or low mood.
- May help resolve blood stasis and promote the flow through the channels and collaterals, easing manifestations such as pain associated with stasis, numbness in the limbs, or difficulty bending and extending the joints.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
White patches have clearly defined borders and remain in fixed locations; hair within the patches turns white. Accompanying signs may include a dusky complexion and bluish-purple lips and nails. The tongue is dark purple or has purple stasis spots, with tortuous sublingual veins and a thin coating; the pulse is wiry and choppy or fine and choppy.
In plain language:
- White patches have clearly defined edges and stay in the same locations; hair within them may turn white.
- The face may look dusky, and the lips and nails may appear bluish-purple.
- The tongue may look dark purple, and purple stasis spots may appear on its surface.
- The veins beneath the tongue may appear enlarged and tortuous.
- The tongue coating is relatively thin and light.
- The pulse may feel taut and choppy, or fine and choppy.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Regulate Qi and invigorate blood; dispel wind and unblock the collaterals.
In plain language:
- May help regulate the flow of Qi and promote blood circulation, easing discomforts such as distending fullness in the chest and flanks, abdominal distension and pain, or a dull complexion.
- May help dispel wind and promote the flow through the channels and collaterals, easing manifestations such as numbness in the limbs, aching joints, or restricted movement.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
White patches are porcelain-white. The person has a generally weak constitution and may have a pale or sallow complexion, dizziness, insomnia, vivid dreams, and fatigue. The tongue is pale with a thin white coating, and the pulse is deep, fine, and weak; alternatively, the tongue may be pale and swollen with a thin white or greasy coating, and the pulse may be soft or wiry and moderate.
In plain language:
- The white patches are porcelain-white, and overall vitality may seem low.
- The face may look pale or yellowish and dull.
- You may feel dizzy or unsteady.
- Sleep may be poor, with frequent insomnia and vivid dreams.
- You may feel mentally and physically tired and lack energy for activities.
- The tongue may be pale with a thin white coating, and the pulse may feel deep, fine, and weak.
- Alternatively, the tongue may be pale and swollen, with a thin white or greasy coating; the pulse may feel soft or wiry and relatively moderate.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Tonify Qi and nourish blood; regulate and support the liver and kidneys.
In plain language:
- May help replenish Qi and nourish the blood, easing discomforts such as fatigue, shortness of breath, a pale complexion, dizziness, or palpitations.
- May help support the liver and kidneys, easing manifestations such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, blurred vision, or insomnia and vivid dreams.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
References
- Zhang Xuejun. Dermatology and Venereology [M]. 7th ed. Beijing: People’s Medical Publishing House, 2008: 184.
- Zhao Bian. Chinese Clinical Dermatology [M]. Nanjing: Jiangsu Science and Technology Publishing House, 2009: 1046-1049.
- Zhao Bingnan, Zhang Zhili. Concise Textbook of TCM Dermatology [M]. Beijing: China Press of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2014: 240-241.