Vitiligo: What's Old, What's New?
June 2025
in “
Academic Medical Journal
”
TLDR Vitiligo treatments are improving but relapses are common.
Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting 0.5-2% of the global population, characterized by the destruction of melanocytes and resulting in depigmented skin patches. Its etiology involves genetic and environmental factors, oxidative stress, and immune response. Recent research explores the role of the skin and gut microbiome and neural factors in its pathogenesis. Treatment remains challenging, with current options like immunosuppressives, phototherapy, and JAK inhibitors providing only short-term benefits, as relapses are common after stopping treatment. New developments are focusing on targeted therapies, such as JAK inhibitors, to improve patient outcomes.