Is vitiligo hereditary? You should know these things

Vitiligo is a common skin disease in clinical practice, and the current medical level can control vitiligo well. Many people are concerned about whether vitiligo is hereditary. Strictly speaking, vitiligo is somewhat hereditary. Of course, this is not the decisive factor. Environmental factors are also an important factor.

1. Vitiligo has a certain genetic background and may be caused by an autosomal dominant gene abnormality. But from a genetic point of view, heredity is only one factor in the onset of vitiligo. In addition, environmental factors also play an important role. Generally, the disease will only occur when both genetic and environmental factors are present. Therefore, even if genetic factors are present, the disease may not occur as long as the influence of environmental factors is eliminated. According to relevant reports, 3%-17.2% of patients have family members suffering from vitiligo, and it is even rarer for both direct relatives of the upper and lower generations to be affected.

2. Vitiligo has a certain relationship with genetics. Clinically, it is not uncommon for father and daughter, mother and son, mother and daughter, and twin brothers and sisters to fall ill. According to case analysis, vitiligo occurs in both monozygotic twins and the disease runs in the family, so it is considered to be related to genetics. There are differences in the family history of patients reported abroad and abroad, with the rate being 18.75-40% abroad and 3-12% in China, which is higher.

3. From a genetic point of view, heredity is only one factor in the development of vitiligo. In addition, environmental factors, such as lifestyle, work and living environment, eating habits, mental state, etc., also play an important role. Generally, the disease will only occur when both genetic and environmental factors are present. Therefore, even if genetic factors exist, the disease may not occur as long as the influence of environmental factors is eliminated. What's more, genetic and environmental factors vary from person to person. From this it can be seen that the probability of vitiligo being passed on to the next generation is far lower than that of other genetic diseases. Therefore, vitiligo patients can get married and have children.