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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)—compared to the general population.
The Evidence
Multiple studies confirm this paradoxical finding. For example, a large study conducted in the United Kingdom with over 15,000 vitiligo patients found a 38% reduced risk of skin cancer among those with the condition compared to individuals without vitiligo.
Why the Misconception?
Many people with vitiligo mistakenly believe they are at higher risk of skin cancer, likely due to their heightened sensitivity to sunburn in depigmented areas. This belief has led to more vigilant sun protection behaviors, such as:
- Frequent use of high-SPF sunscreen
- Wearing SPF-protective clothing
- Avoiding peak sun exposure
UVB Phototherapy Safety
Concerns about UVB phototherapy increasing skin cancer risk are also unfounded. Research, including long-term studies and meta-analyses, has consistently shown that NB-UVB phototherapy is safe for vitiligo patients, even after numerous sessions.
In conclusion, while people with vitiligo should still practice sun safety to avoid sunburn, they can rest assured that their condition does not elevate their risk of skin cancer. In fact, they enjoy a statistically lower risk than the general population.
Suggested reading:
- Vitiligo's Unexpected Health Benefits
- Vitiligo Protects From Parkinson's Disease
- 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
- How smoking affects vitiligo?
Smoking is a common habit linked to numerous health risks, affecting multiple body systems and increasing various disease risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues....
- Is there a special diet for vitiligo?
Recent research highlights the potential of diet and nutrition in managing vitiligo, offering an alternative where traditional therapies may be lacking. However, the relationshi...
- Can a gluten-free diet help with vitiligo?
It's very unlikely. We have specifically looked into claims that gluten-free diet may ease symptoms of vitiligo, or completely reverse it, and found no firm scientific evidence ...
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.
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