Vitiligo & Skin Cancer: Understanding the Increased Risk & Prevention

People with vitiligo are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer. This is because vitiligo causes the skin to lose its pigment, melanin, which helps protect it from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays can cause damage to the DNA in skin cells, leading to skin cancer.

The risk of skin cancer is higher for people with vitiligo who have:

* Light-colored skin

* A family history of skin cancer

* A lot of sun exposure

People with vitiligo should take steps to protect their skin from the sun, including:

* Wearing sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher

* Reapplying sunscreen every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating

* Wearing protective clothing, such as hats and long-sleeved shirts, when outdoors

* Avoiding the sun during peak hours (10 am-4 pm)

* Getting regular skin checks by a dermatologist

By taking these steps, people with vitiligo can help reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.