Huge huge thanks to you, Robiya! May I further ask for the sources of the numbers and data? Do you recommend any doctors on the west coast?

### 1. Odds of Inheriting Vitiligo if Only One Parent Has It

Vitiligo is a complex disorder with a genetic component, but it is not inherited in a simple Mendelian fashion. The odds of a child inheriting vitiligo if only one parent has it are relatively low but still present. Research indicates that the general risk of a child developing vitiligo if one parent has it is about 5-7%. This suggests a multifactorial inheritance pattern where multiple genes and environmental factors contribute to the risk.

### 2. Odds of Inheriting Vitiligo if Both Parents Have It

If both parents have vitiligo, the risk increases but is still not absolute. The chance of a child developing vitiligo in this case is estimated to be around 15-25%. This higher risk reflects the greater likelihood of inheriting a combination of genetic factors that predispose an individual to the condition.

### 3. Minimizing or Preventing the Effect in Children

There is no guaranteed way to prevent vitiligo, but certain strategies may help minimize the risk or manage the condition if it develops:

- **Genetic Counseling**: Consider consulting a genetic counselor who can provide personalized risk assessments and information based on your family history.
- **Healthy Lifestyle**: Encourage a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and avoiding excessive stress, which might help in overall skin health.
- **Early Detection and Management**: Be vigilant for early signs of vitiligo in children. Early intervention and treatment can help manage the condition more effectively.
- **Sun Protection**: Using sunscreen and protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure can help prevent the aggravation of vitiligo.

### 4. Caveats on Pregnancy

While vitiligo itself does not typically pose specific risks during pregnancy, some general considerations include:

- **Stress Management**: Pregnancy can be a stressful time, and managing stress is important as it might influence the onset or progression of vitiligo.
- **Skin Care**: Pregnant women with vitiligo should continue to take good care of their skin and use gentle, non-irritating products.
- **Consult with Healthcare Providers**: Regular check-ups with a dermatologist and an obstetrician can ensure that both the mother's and the baby's health are monitored throughout the pregnancy.

It's important to discuss any concerns with healthcare professionals who can provide tailored advice and support based on your specific situation.

@A MyVitiligoTeam Member I have researched this information and can’t find any definitive information. I personally will not take a 20% chance that my child may have it. Doctors seem to downplay my concerns when I’ve brought it up since vitiligo is not ‘life threatening’ in their eyes.

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Hi Robiyamama,

I read the same information too when I researched this a bit for my two children. Even if I had found out this information before getting married, I would have gotten married anyone. Crazy enough, my father-in-law had it (he’s passed away), but I didn’t know at the time what he had, and no one told me what it was. It wouldn’t have changed my decision about getting married. Now, I have it and one of my brother-in-laws has it. With my children’s mom, grandfather, and uncle having it we have no idea what the outcome is for them. If, none of us had it they could still get it. Thankfully my children don’t care. It’s not something that I can do anything about anyway. With all that being said, who knows if/when the children will get it because there are a lot of factors…too many factors that can make it happen or not. No one really knows. If someone had told me I would get this, I would have been like you must be crazy, and then I would have made myself crazy and stressed trying to stop it from happening, but I don’t know my family medical history, so someone in my lineage might ( or might not) have had this, or (of course), by having one autoimmune disease that was the factor for me. I had Hashimoto’s at least 20+ years before seeing my first vitiligo spot. My endocrinologist said nothing to me about if you have one you more than likely will get more autoimmune diseases (I now have 3)…wish she had at least given me a heads up. Heck, I just found out last year that Hashimoto’s can change from hyper to hypo😳, or the other way around, I can’t remember. We can’t (shouldn’t) live our lives trying to figure out if something is going to happen when it comes to autoimmune diseases. There are too many variables, and you’ll worry yourself out of your mind.

Bless all my vitiligo friends🙏🏽❤️

@A MyVitiligoTeam Member Did your doctor give you any suggestions or this is your own opinion? I have similar concerns but my girlfriend seems no. I want a baby but also super concerned if my children would blame us parents in the future.

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