Our work is entirely funded by private donations – we receive no money from government. Your money will help us continue funding research into vitiligo and supporting people affected by the condition.
FAQ
No, it does not. Despite common misconceptions, people with vitiligo are actually at a lower risk of developing skin cancer, including both nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and malignant melanoma (MM), than the general population. Multiple studies support this, showing a paradoxically lower incidence of skin cancer among those with vitiligo.
For instance, a large study from the United Kingdom involving over 15,000 individuals with vitiligo found they had a 38% decreased risk of developing skin cancer compared to those without the condition.
Despite these findings, many with vitiligo still believe they are at higher risk. This misconception has led to vigilant sun protective behaviors, with vitiligo patients often using high-SPF sunscreen more frequently than the general population, wearing clothing with SPF and avoiding peak sun exposure.
Moreover, concerns about UVB phototherapy treatments increasing skin cancer risk are also unfounded. Research, including long-term studies and meta-analyses, has shown that treatments like NB UVB phototherapy are safe and do not increase the risk of skin cancer in vitiligo patients, regardless of how many sessions they undergo.
Suggested reading: Vitiligo May Reduce Risk of Internal Cancer
References:
- Ferguson J, Eleftheriadou V, Nesnas J (2023) Risk of Melanoma and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer in People with Vitiligo: United Kingdom Population-Based Cohort Study. J Invest Dermatol 143(11):2204–2210. 10.1016/j.jid.2023.04.013
- Wu YH, Chou CL, Chang HC (2022) Risk of skin cancer after ultraviolet phototherapy in patients with vitiligo: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Exp Dermatol Apr 47(4):692–699. 10.1111/ced.15010
FAQOther Questions
- Is there a traditional medicine to treat vitiligo?
Traditional medicines may be helpful in chronic, metabolic, and stress-related conditions early in the disease manifestation, before extensive tissue and organ damage has occurr...
- Polypodium leucotomos as an adjunct treatment for vitiligo?
Extracts of the tropical fern Polypodium leucotomos appear to have beneficial properties for the vitiligious skin. Polypodium leucotomos (also classified as Polypodium aureum) a...
- Is vitiligo contagious?
Vitiligo is NOT contagious. It cannot be passed on or caught from touching someone with vitiligo, shaking hands, swimming in the same pool, sharing towels, sitting next to someo...
Though it is not always easy to treat vitiligo, there is much to be gained by clearly understanding the diagnosis, the future implications, treatment options and their outcomes.
Many people deal with vitiligo while remaining in the public eye, maintaining a positive outlook, and having a successful career.
Copyright (C) Bodolóczki JúliaBy taking a little time to fill in the anonymous questionnaire, you can help researchers better understand and fight vitiligo.