Are you living with vitiligo? Here’s what you need to know about its potential associated health risks. Early detection and management could help you control vitiligo symptoms and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Vitiligo is more than skin deep, involving a mix of genetics, oxidative stress, and immunity.
- If you have vitiligo, you might have a higher risk of developing autoimmune thyroid disease.
- Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease, is often found in conjunction with vitiligo.
- Some studies have identified links between vitiligo and diabetes mellitus.
- Metabolic syndrome, a condition that raises your risk for heart disease and diabetes, appears to be more prevalent among vitiligo patients.
Vitiligo is a condition that causes loss of skin pigmentation. However, the root cause may involve a combination of genetics, oxidative stress, and factors related to immune function. Recent research published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology has revealed potential health risks often associated with vitiligo, including autoimmune thyroid disease, alopecia areata, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome.
Vitiligo and Your Thyroid: A Potential Link
Autoimmune thyroid disease includes conditions like Hashimoto thyroiditis and Grave’s disease and has been shown to have a strong link with vitiligo. If you have vitiligo, you might have a higher risk of developing autoimmune thyroid disease. The duration and distribution of your vitiligo seems to raise the risk, which doubles every five years and with greater than 10% body surface area involvement.
Alopecia Areata: A Shared Journey With Vitiligo
Alopecia areata is another autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. Research has shown that vitiligo and alopecia areata often occur together more than alone. If you have vitiligo, there’s a 3 to 8% chance you could also develop AA.
Vitiligo and Diabetes: A Potential Connection
There might be ties between vitiligo and diabetes, a condition that affects your body’s ability to use blood sugar. Studies show that 1 to 7% of vitiligo patients also have diabetes.
Vitiligo and Metabolic Syndrome: A Possible Association
Metabolic syndrome involves a group of conditions, including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels. These conditions increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes. If you have vitiligo, you might be at a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
Living with vitiligo means understanding the potential associated health risks. Early detection and management of these conditions may significantly improve your quality of life. Your healthcare provider can help you navigate these risks and provide optimal treatment.
Source:
JDDonline – Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. (2023, March 27). Shining a Light on Vitiligo and Associated Comorbidities: What Is the Evidence? – JDDonline – Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. https://jddonline.com/articles/shining-a-light-on-vitiligo-and-associated-comorbidities-what-is-the-evidence-S1545961623P0428X/
