Although vitiligo isn’t a deadly disease, it is associated with a number of other conditions that can be serious. So, it’s important to be aware of these and look out for the symptoms.
Research has found, for example, that people with vitiligo have an increased risk of developing autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid, particularly Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The authors recommended thyroid screening, especially for older people with a family history of thyroid disease.
Studies have also found an increased risk of other autoimmune conditions. One research review found a link between vitiligo and rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes, as well as alopecia areata and myasthenia gravis, among others.
What’s more, melanocytes exist in parts of the body other than the skin, leaving those areas vulnerable to vitiligo. “There are pigment cells in the eye, the inner ear, the heart, and the brain,” says Dr. Harris. “There’s evidence that having vitiligo increases the risk of hearing loss and, in rare cases, even blindness and brain inflammation.”
For this reason, if you have vitiligo, it’s important to be mindful of symptoms such as fatigue, sudden weight loss or gain, changes in your vision or hearing, muscle and joint pain, and rashes, which may indicate the presence of another autoimmune condition. You also should see your dermatologist regularly to keep tabs on how your vitiligo is progressing, Dr. Marmon says, and, if there are signs you may have a related condition, get a referral to the appropriate specialist.
Marmon also points out that many people with vitiligo develop depression. “The effect of vitiligo on appearance can lead to stress and self-esteem issues, which negatively affect quality of life,” she says. She recommends seeing a therapist for help dealing with any mental or emotional issues that arise from having a visible skin condition.
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