Serum vitamin d levels in children with vitiligo

Aim: In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical profile of pediatric vitiligo in Turkey by analyzing differences in gender, clinical features, triggering factors, age of onset, duration of disease, atopy, familial history, and sun exposure in order to report the serum vitamin D levels of children with vitiligo. Material and Method: During a six-month period, 39 children with vitiligo and 39 healthy controls were studied. Demographic details were noted, and dermatological examination was performed to note the areas involved, leukotrichia, and halo nevus. 25-OH vitamin D was carried out by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. Results: The group of girls with vitiligo was compared for serum 25-OH vitamin D levels. Significant differences were found between the girls in the control group, even if there were no significant differences between the group of boys with vitiligo and the control group. There were statistically significant differences in 25-OH vitamin D levels between the groups of girls and boys with vitiligo. Only 12 children had a history of more than 15 minutes of sunshine exposure per day, and a significant difference was noted among the boys. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was found in 20 (5%) and 46 (1%) of children, respectively. Discussion: The antioxidant properties of vitamin D show protection from vitiligo. The low levels of vitamin D in girls with vitiligo are caused by concealing clothing, no daily supplementation of vitamin D, exposure to sunlight, more indoor work, and dark skin. These factors may contribute to the pathogenesis of vitiligo.