In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with dermatologist Dr. Valerie Harvey, we discuss why vitiligo is an important health issue.
MD Newsline:
Can you explain why vitiligo is an important health issue?
Dr. Valerie Harvey:
“Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune skin condition where your body’s immune system attacks the cells that make pigment in your skin. It results in complete loss of pigment anywhere on the body. It’s also associated with other autoimmune conditions like diabetes mellitus type 1, thyroid disease, and certain forms of anemia.
Vitiligo can really affect a patient’s quality of life. It can adversely affect how patients feel about themselves and how they perceive other people respond to them.”
Responses have been condensed and lightly edited.
