Hot early autumn sunlight raises risk of vitiligo
Sep 23, 2025
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The exact cause is not known, but it is known as an autoimmune disease that attacks melanocytes due to abnormalities in the immune system. It is also common to appear with other autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disease and circular hair loss, and 15-20% of them have a family history. Excessive UV exposure or skin trauma (injuries) are cited as major factors, and imbalance of antioxidant enzymes and abnormal calcium intake are also cited as causes.
vitiligo is often left unattended because it is painless and the spots are small in the early stages of symptoms. However, early diagnosis is important as the spots widen over time and can spread throughout the body.
In particular, when exposed to strong ultraviolet rays, the surrounding skin becomes sunburned and the vitiligo area becomes more prominent.
Skin diseases similar to vitiligo include skin sclerosis, white sclerosis, and bleaching, and it is not easy for the general public to distinguish them. All of these diseases have a common skin that turns white on the surface, but the causes and treatment methods are different. Since it is difficult to diagnose accurately only with visible symptoms, it is important to visit a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis if symptoms appear.
To date, there is no complete treatment for vitiligo, but several treatments can alleviate symptoms or slow progression. A typical treatment is medication, which suppresses skin inflammation, helps pigment recovery and is mainly used in local areas. In addition, phototherapy such as local ultraviolet B (UVB) treatment is also performed to promote melanin cell activity. In some patients, surgical treatments such as autologous skin transplantation, in which melanin cells are collected and transplanted from normal skin, are sometimes used.
Because of these characteristics, prevention and management of vitiligo are more important than anything else. Sun-sensitive vitiligo areas have a high risk of sunburn or skin cancer, so it is recommended to apply sunscreen repeatedly every three to four hours and wear long-sleeved clothes.
Professor Yoo Hwa-jung of the Department of Dermatology at Korea University Ansan Hospital advised that `Vulitosis is a common disease that occurs in one to two out of 100 people.' `Those who have a family history or who do outdoor activities for a long time need special attention, and it is important to treat them early with interest in the skin.'
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
