Nowadays, an increasing number of children are diagnosed with vitiligo, which brings heavy worries to many parents. The onset of childhood vitiligo is rarely caused by a single factor. It is usually the combined result of genetic predisposition, weakened immunity, improper daily care and emotional influences. We sort out all major inducing factors from clinical observation for your reference.

1. Genetic predisposition

Heredity is one of the basic risk factors for kids’ vitiligo. If one or both parents have a history of vitiligo, the child will carry a higher susceptibility gene. It does not mean the child will definitely get vitiligo, but external stimuli can easily trigger white patches on the skin. Most children patients with this type have immediate family members suffering from the same skin condition.

2. Low immune function

Children are in the period of physical development, and their immune system has not yet fully matured. Recurrent colds, fever, tonsillitis and other infectious diseases will continuously damage children’s immune balance. Under immune disorder, the body’s immune cells mistakenly attack normal melanocytes, inhibiting melanin synthesis and forming white spots on the skin. Picky eaters and malnourished children are more likely to have such immune problems.

3. Unhealthy eating habits

Many children have bad eating habits such as partial eclipse, picky eating, refusing to eat dark vegetables, nuts and bean products. Long-term insufficient intake of copper, zinc and other trace elements will reduce the activity of tyrosinase, which is critical to melanin production. Besides, frequent consumption of snacks, carbonated drinks and food with additives will further affect nutrient absorption and trigger vitiligo.

4. Skin trauma and irritation

Children are active and prone to bumps, scratches, burns and mosquito bites in daily life. According to TCM and clinical records, skin wounds may induce new vitiligo lesions at the injured area, which is called the isomorphic reaction. In addition, long-term strong sunlight exposure without sun protection will burn children’s delicate skin and damage melanocytes.

5. Mental pressure and emotional fluctuation

Nowadays, many young children face pressure from study, after-school classes or tense family atmosphere. Long-term anxiety, fright, crying and depression will cause endocrine disorder and liver qi stagnation. Both modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine confirm that unstable emotions will disturb immunity and accelerate the spread of white patches in children.

6. Irregular work and rest

Many children stay up late watching videos or playing games, lacking enough sleep. Nighttime sleep is the key period for children’s immunity and endocrine repair. Chronic sleep shortage will break internal balance and greatly raise the risk of vitiligo onset or deterioration.

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