“I went to Australia, and even though a good amount of sunblock was put on, I still got very badly sunburned,” a MyVitiligoTeam member said. “I’m wondering if these will depigment into spots.”

Skin injuries, such as sunburns or cuts, can trigger vitiligo in some people who are predisposed to the skin condition. But not everyone who gets a sunburn or a cut on their skin will develop vitiligo.

This article will explain the link between vitiligo and sunburns or other skin injuries.

🗳️ Have you noticed that sunburn triggers new vitiligo patches?

Yes

No

Not sure

Thanks! You've successfully submitted your vote.

Sign up to view the results!

Continue with Facebook

Continue with Google

Continue with Email

By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.

Already a member? Log In

The Role of Oxidative Stress

Some researchers have found a connection between oxidative stress and the development of vitiligo. Oxidative stress occurs when your body has an imbalance of two molecules called free radicals and antioxidants. If you don’t have enough antioxidants to keep free radicals in check, they can damage tissues and cells in your body.

Melanocytes are the cells in the body responsible for producing melanin (skin pigment). Scientists believe exposure to stressors like severe sunburns, cuts, repeated pressure, rubbing, or scratching can cause oxidative stress, affecting these pigment cells.

“I remember the day I first noticed my vitiligo. I was coming home from a beach vacation and noticed a white circular spot on my wrist.”

— A MyVitiligoTeam member

In vitiligo, oxidative stress can damage melanocytes, potentially leading to skin pigment loss.

Vitiligo Triggered by Sunburns

Many MyVitiligoTeam members report having a sunburn or sun exposure that triggered vitiligo. One member shared the first time they noticed their vitiligo develop: “I used to live in Arizona and go to the lake a lot. One day, I got a bad sunburn on my forehead. After a couple days my sunburn began to turn white.”

Another member said, “I remember the day I first noticed my vitiligo. I was coming home from a beach vacation and noticed a white circular spot on my wrist. Over the years since then, I have noticed vitiligo spread on my neck and shoulders when I got a bad sunburn in this area.”

What Does the Research Say?

Researchers have found that sunburns may contribute to vitiligo for some people who are predisposed to the condition. One study evaluated white women with a childhood or teen history of blistering sunburns. They found that these women had an increased risk of developing vitiligo.

Excessive sun exposure can increase oxidative stress, potentially triggering an immune system response against melanocytes.

Excessive sun exposure and ultraviolet (UV) damage also increase stress protein levels, specifically HSP70i. This has been shown to play a role in vitiligo development.

Vitiligo Triggered by Skin Injuries

In addition to sunburn, repeated skin trauma can induce an inflammatory response that triggers vitiligo. Examples of skin trauma include:

• Physical wounds, scratches, or cuts
• Chemical burns
• Repeated pressure, friction, or rubbing

Getting a tattoo can also potentially worsen vitiligo.

“Trauma to the skin most likely caused my vitiligo. Everywhere I have had surgery, I have some white patches of skin.”

— A MyVitiligoTeam member

Koebner Phenomenon

Vitiligo appearing in areas of trauma is known as the Koebner phenomenon. A new patch of vitiligo related to the Koebner phenomenon is most likely to appear within a month or two after an injury, but may also occur sooner or later than that.

“Trauma to the skin most likely caused my vitiligo,” one MyVitiligoTeam member said. “Everywhere I have had surgery, I have some white patches of skin, like my abdomen, C-section, and hysterectomy. Also, on my forehead near the hairline because I have always dyed my hair.”

While the Koebner phenomenon can worsen the appearance of vitiligo, it is not the direct cause of vitiligo. Rather, in someone who is susceptible to vitiligo, an injury can trigger a new patch at the injured site.

The Koebner phenomenon occurs in some types of vitiligo more often than others. There’s evidence that the Koebner phenomenon is more common among children and adults with generalized vitiligo compared to segmental vitiligo.

The Koebner phenomenon also appears on parts of the body with long-term friction, pressure, or repeating movement. For instance, areas with tight clothing or shoes might be affected.

However, it remains unclear whether or not the same type of trauma will cause the Koebner phenomenon in all areas of skin. Additionally, experts are still uncertain if the risk of Koebner phenomenon in vitiligo is linked to ethnicity or skin color.

Ways To Protect Your Skin

You can take steps to avoid or reduce damage to your skin, whether from sunburn or other injury. There’s no guarantee that protecting your skin from damage will prevent vitiligo. But there are no downsides to preventing sunburn or reducing the chances of burns or cuts.

Use Sun Protection

Using daily sun protection is one of the best ways to avoid damaging your skin. Sun protection is important for anyone with vitiligo, regardless of skin tone.

Following are some ways to protect yourself from sun damage:

• Wear ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) clothing, available as tops, bottoms, and hats. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you can get very good protection from a UPF of 30 to 49, while a UPF of 50 or more provides excellent protection.
• Wear a hat that protects your face, neck, and ears.
• Wear UV-protective sunglasses to protect your eyes and eyelids.
• Wear sunscreen daily with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more and water resistance.
• Apply sunscreen on all sun-exposed areas 15 minutes before going out in the sun.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours and immediately after swimming or strenuous physical activity.
• Spend time in the shade when it is sunny outside.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure, tanning beds, or sun lamps. The wavelengths of UV light from these sources are different from phototherapy prescribed by your doctor.

Speak with your dermatology team for personalized guidance about protecting your skin while living with vitiligo.

Avoid Skin Injury

Avoiding all injuries to the skin is impossible, but there are some proactive steps you can take to protect your skin.

• Take care when shaving to avoid cuts.
• Wear protective gloves when handling chemical irritants.
• Wear protective gloves and clothing when participating in activities that may lead to cuts or scrapes.
• Use oven mitts and take other precautions when cooking or using hot tools like a curling iron.
• Avoid repeated friction from tight underwear, belts, or pants by choosing looser-fitting options or different fabrics.
• Consider your expectations and the possible outcomes of getting a tattoo. Talk to your dermatologist for guidance.

In partnership with the Global Vitiligo Foundation, which strives to improve the quality of life for individuals with vitiligo through education, research, clinical care, and community support.