Is vitiligo hereditary?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have a doubt regarding vitiligo condition. My father-in-law has vitiligo, and he is 60 years old now. He has two sons and one daughter. Daughter is married and having two kids. None of the above have this condition. Is there any chance of getting vitiligo to his sons or to his grandchildren in future? To say simply, is vitiligo hereditary?

Answer 1

Hi,

I am glad you chose icliniq for your medical-related queries.

I understand your concern and will try to help you with it.

I understand that you are concerned. There is a definitive genetic component in vitiligo and if someone is affected by it, he is more likely to transmit it to his kids than a person who does not have it. There are 4 to 5 times more chances of getting vitiligo than general population without it, if one of the parent or sibling has one. So, if both parents and siblings do not have, then chances are less. I mean if only grandfather is involved and not the father, then chances reduce. Take care.

Thank you for consulting me.

You can always reach me at icliniq.com.