Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disorder that contributes to the loss of pigmentation on the skin due to the destruction of the melanocytes. The condition, despite the lack of a proper trigger behind it, is believed to be caused by environmental, genetic, or other autoimmune disorders. Blood tests, though not the primary diagnostic tool, play …
Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disorder that contributes to the loss of pigmentation on the skin due to the destruction of the melanocytes. The condition, despite the lack of a proper trigger behind it, is believed to be caused by environmental, genetic, or other autoimmune disorders.
Blood tests, though not the primary diagnostic tool, play a supporting role in vitiligo management. Quite a few different types of blood tests for vitiligo help identify potential complications, enabling patients to get a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan.
At Kayakalp Global, prescribing a series of blood tests to our patients with vitiligo symptoms is paramount to understanding their current physical health and aligning the treatment plan accordingly.
Understanding Vitiligo and Autoimmunity
Melanocytes, skin cells responsible for melanin production, are targeted by the immune system in vitiligo. This results in the characteristic white patches.
When distinguishing vitiligo can be broken down into two major types:
Non-segmental vitiligo
The most common form, affecting both sides of the body symmetrically.
Segmental vitiligo
Less common, affecting only one area of the body.
Vitiligo often co-occurs with other autoimmune conditions, such as:
- Thyroid disorders (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease)
- Alopecia areata (hair loss)
- Pernicious anemia (vitamin B12 deficiency)
- Psoriasis
- Lupus
This explains why getting a comprehensive range of blood tests is vital for diagnosing vitiligo and ruling out any potential complications associated with the risks of autoimmunity.
When are Blood Tests Used for Vitiligo?
Blood tests for vitiligo are not routinely performed. Diagnosis is primarily based on a thorough medical history and physical examination of the skin.
At Kayakalp Global, our specialists will recommend blood tests in the following scenarios before confirming a vitiligo diagnosis:
- To rule out other autoimmune conditions that share similar symptoms.
- To identify potential underlying causes that may have triggered vitiligo, such as vitamin deficiencies.
- To assess overall health and suitability for specific treatment options.
What are the Types of Blood Tests Needed for Vitiligo?
Now that you have a basic understanding of the importance of blood tests for vitiligo, here’s a breakdown of the types of blood tests you’d need:
Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test
This test screens for autoantibodies, proteins that attack healthy tissues. A positive ANA test can indicate an underlying autoimmune condition but doesn’t diagnose a specific one. There are different types of ANA tests, and a positive result might require further specific tests to pinpoint the exact autoimmune condition.
Normal results – A negative ANA test is considered normal, though some individuals may have a positive ANA without having an autoimmune disease. Further testing is thus mandatory to confirm what could be wrong.
Thyroid Function Tests
One of the most common autoimmune disorders is thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. In such cases, thyroid function tests typically measure the three pivotal thyroid hormones—TSH, T4, and T3.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Produced by the pituitary gland, TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.
Free thyroxine (T4): The primary thyroid hormone responsible for regulating metabolism.
Free triiodothyronine (T3): An active form of T4 converted into the body’s tissues. Abnormal levels of these hormones can indicate thyroid dysfunction, a common co-occurrence with vitiligo.
Normal results – TSH: 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L; Free T4: 0.8 to 1.8 ng/dL; Free T3: 2.3 to 4.2 pg/mL.
Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Levels
Deficiencies of certain vitamins, especially Vitamin B, can sometimes contribute to a variety of skin problems, including pigmentation issues, which can often be mistaken for vitiligo symptoms.
Additionally, low levels of Vitamin B12 contribute to an underlying complication called pernicious anemia, which further distorts the body’s absorption of Vitamin B12, leading to complications.
Normal results: Vitamin B12: 200 to 900 ng/mL; Folate: 2.7 to 17.0 ng/mL.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Given that vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder, getting a comprehensive overview of your blood cell health is vital in diagnosing the skin disorder and understanding any potential complications underlying it. Some of the components in a CBC test include hemoglobin, white blood cells, platelets, etc.
Normal results: Hemoglobin: Men: 13.8 to 17.2 grams per deciliter; Women: 12.1 to 15.1 grams per deciliter; White Blood Cells (WBC): 4,500 to 11,000 cells per microliter; Platelets: 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter.
Other Tests
Beyond these standard blood tests, some of the additional ones prescribed by our specialists at Kayakalp Global include:
Anti-melanocyte antibodies: These antibodies directly target melanocytes and are less common than ANA.
Iron studies: To assess iron levels, which can be linked to some skin conditions.
Other vitamin level tests: Vitamin D deficiency can also affect skin health.
Depending on the results from all these blood tests, our doctors at Kayakalp Global curate a comprehensive patient diagnosis, followed by a personalized treatment plan that addresses all the underlying concerns the patient might be suffering from.
How are Blood Tests for Vitiligo Done?
The majority (if not all) of the blood tests prescribed for diagnosing vitiligo in patients are standard and simple procedures.
A phlebotomist first prepares the site where the blood will be drawn. An alcohol pad disinfects the skin, and then a syringe is inserted into the vein in the arm to draw a blood sample from the patient.
Once done, pressure is applied to the punctured site to stop further bleeding, and a bandage is applied for safety. Depending on where and who is collecting the sample, the test should take more than a few minutes.
What is the Cost of Blood Tests for Vitiligo?
There is no standard price for the blood tests used to diagnose vitiligo. The cost usually depends on the specific test.
For example, the average cost of a CBC test starts at INR 300, while the average cost for a thyroid function test is around INR 1000-1500, depending on the clinic or diagnostic center you are getting it done from.
Some of the more expensive tests include Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D or the ANA test. It is always beneficial to get a proper understanding of the costs before you get the tests done.
Comprehensive Vitiligo Diagnosis at Kayakalp Global
Your battle with vitiligo doesn’t need to be fought alone. With specialists and experienced doctors at Kayakalp Global, getting a confirmed and comprehensive diagnosis for your complications becomes a walk in the park.
Blood tests are crucial in the comprehensive evaluation of patients with vitiligo. While they are not directly used to diagnose vitiligo, they help identify associated autoimmune conditions and assess the patient’s overall health.
Following your consultation, you will be prescribed a series of blood tests to understand the underlying triggers before a treatment plan is created for you. We believe in approaching the condition with an integrated approach (a blend of modern medicine and Ayurveda). However, our objective is to ensure that our patients receive treatment that impacts and eliminates the root cause instead of temporarily treating the symptoms.
For more details about Kayakalp Global’s vitiligo treatment plans, kindly contact us at +91-9599794433.
