Vitiligo is a a condition that causes loss of pigment or coloration in the skin. This often results in patchy white spots on various areas of the body, which could cause a great deal of distress to the person affected.

Vitiligo can happen at any age, although it commonly presents itself in ages 10 – 30. While it’s a non-contagious condition, it can prompt concerns over whether all patients with vitiligo need to take extra steps to protect themselves from the sun.

What Is Vitiligo and How Is It Caused?

It’s still unknown what causes vitiligo. Nonetheless, common hypothesis says that it’s an autoimmune disease where the body mistakes its melanocytes (cells that manufacture pigment) as foreign intruders, subsequently killing them off.

Melanocytes in the skin are responsible for pigmentation and give the skin its color.

When the melanocytes start to die off, the surrounding skin will start to lose its color and may turn white. The more melanocytes that die off, the larger the vitiligo patch will be.

Besides being unhealthy looking, vitiligo patches usually do not cause pain, but many patients experience emotional stress due to having them on visible parts of the body, including the hands or face.

Cause for Concern: Skin Cancer

The lack of melanocytes in the skin of individuals with vitiligo causes their skin to be sensitive to UV radiation from the sun.

This sensitivity poses a potential threat to developing skin cancer, in addition to sunburn and other skin damage linked to overexposure to UV radiation.

Individuals with vitiligo who are exposed to ultraviolet radiation bombarded by the sun are at a higher risk of getting skin cancer than people without the disease.

The Skin Cancer Foundation states that there are usually more skin cancers in patients with vitiligo because they have less melanin to help filter out the damaging rays of the sun.

Protection from the Sun for Vitiligo Patients

With or without vitiligo, it’s essential to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays using different measures. Although people with vitiligo should take extra precautions to protect themselves while out in the sun.

The following tips could improve your protection from the sun:.

Wear Sun Protective Clothing

Covering exposed skin with tightly weaved clothing made from natural fibers such as linen or cotton is an excellent way of protecting yourself from the sun.

Clothes can give an additional layer of defense, which can be valuable for individuals with vitiligo. It’s best to wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat that provides shade to the face, ears, and neck.

Apply Sunscreen

Sunscreen is an excellent tool to help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. An SPF 30 sunscreen is sufficient and is recommended to be applied generously at least 20 minutes before exposure to the sun.

Reapply at least every two hours and more frequently after swimming or sweating.

Take Extra Care on High UV Days

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is usually at its highest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Even if it’s cloudy, UV radiation can still penetrate your skin through the clouds, which increases the risk of sun damage.

Keeping out of the sun during these hours is recommended when possible.

Stay in the Shade

Staying in the shade under a tree or other shelter is an excellent way to avoid direct sun contact if you must be outdoors. You can also use an umbrella to give yourself extra coverage.

This protection is particularly important when the sun is at its strongest.

Conclusion

Vitiligo is a common condition affecting people around the world. Individuals with this condition must take extra care to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful rays as they are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer.

Sun protective clothing, frequent application of sunscreen, avoiding the sun during peak hours, and seeking shelter in the shade are the best ways to protect oneself from overexposure to UV radiation. By being vigilant, vitiligo patients can significantly cut down their risk of skin cancer.