Vitiligo is a complex and puzzling autoimmune disorder that causes the loss of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes, leading to white patches on the skin. While the exact cause of vitiligo remains unknown, researchers believe both genetic and environmental factors may play a role in its development. A recent study has taken a closer look at the familial diagnostic history of vitiligo, shedding light on this mysterious condition.

The VALIANT (Vitiligo and Life Impact Among International Communities) study was an online survey that aimed to enroll adults aged 18 and older who had been professionally diagnosed with vitiligo. Participants came from around the globe, including countries like Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, and Italy, but the data presented at last year's AAD conference focused specifically on the United States.

To participate, individuals had to complete an online screening process that gathered basic demographic information, verified their vitiligo diagnosis, and obtained their consent to take part in the study. The follow-up survey explored participants' family history of vitiligo, self-reported factors influencing their condition, and current management strategies. Researchers used the Self Assessment Vitiligo Extent Score (SA-VES), a validated tool, to assess vitiligo by providing a range of verified images that helped participants describe their condition and how it affected their body surface area (BSA).

Out of the 95,623 invited participants, 637 completed the survey and 608 were selected for analysis. Over half of the participants were male (57.9%), and the majority identified as White (91.4%).

The data showed that most patients were diagnosed with vitiligo between the ages of 20-29 years (39%) or 30-39 years (34.9%). Additionally, a significant number of participants reported a family history of vitiligo (71.4%). Nearly two-thirds of patients (63.8%) received their diagnosis from a dermatology-focused medical practice, while 34.5% were diagnosed by a primary care physician (PCP). In total, 223 patients (36.7%) had been misdiagnosed initially, with those diagnosed by a PCP more likely to experience misdiagnosis. The most common misdiagnoses were skin damage (32.3%) and eczema (30.9%). A vast majority of the analyzed patients (95.9%) reported using one or more prescription or nonprescription products to manage their vitiligo.