Is there a correlation between the second to fourth digit ratio and vitiligo? A cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Endocrinology
• Human Biology

Background:

• Vitiligo is a skin condition causing depigmented patches due to melanocyte loss.
• The etiology of vitiligo is multifactorial and currently unknown.
• The second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is a recognized marker for prenatal androgen exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential association between vitiligo and 2D:4D ratios.
• To explore the role of sex hormones in vitiligo development.
• To determine if 2D:4D ratios can serve as a predictor for vitiligo.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 100 vitiligo patients and 110 healthy controls.
• Measurement of finger lengths using an electronic Vernier caliper to determine 2D:4D ratios.
• Assessment of vitiligo severity using the Vitiligo Extent Tensity Index (VETI).

Main Results:

• Vitiligo patients exhibited significantly lower 2D:4D ratios in their right hands compared to healthy controls (p=0.0001).
• No significant correlation was found between 2D:4D ratios and vitiligo in the left hands (p=0.740).
• No statistically significant correlation was observed between vitiligo severity (VETI score) and 2D:4D ratios on either hand.

Conclusions:

• This study is the first to examine the link between 2D:4D ratios and vitiligo.
• Findings suggest that the right-hand 2D:4D ratio may be a potential predictor for vitiligo development.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of prenatal androgen exposure in vitiligo pathogenesis.