Deep Dive In Vitiligo

Vitiligo and Vitamins. Hope or Hype? (Ep. 30)

Can a handful of supplements really make a difference in managing vitiligo? In this episode, we sift through the science and separate fact from fantasy when it comes to vitamins and herbal remedies commonly linked to vitiligo care.
From the antioxidant power of Vitamin C to the immune-modulating promise of high-dose Vitamin D, Ginkgo Biloba, and Polypodium leucotomos, we explore what the research actually says—and what it doesn’t. With expert-backed insights from the Vitiligo Research Foundation and NIH, we also dive into potential risks, drug interactions, and why a “natural” label doesn’t always mean safe or effective.
Whether you’re curious about building a smart supplement routine or just want to avoid wasting money (or worse, doing harm), this episode will help you make more informed choices.
This episode is supported in part by Incyte, makers of Opzelura®—the only FDA-approved treatment for vitiligo to date.
Suggested reading: Vitiligo's Unexpected Health Benefits: A New Perspective on an Old Condition

Melodies and Melanin: When Vitiligo Affects What's You Hear (Ep. 29)

Vitiligo is known for its impact on skin—but what if it also changes the way you hear the world?
In this episode, we explore the surprising link between vitiligo and high-frequency hearing loss, drawing on recent research and insights from the Vitiligo Research Foundation.
You’ll learn how melanocytes—cells that give skin its color—also play a key role in the inner ear, and how their loss may affect certain sound frequencies. While most people with vitiligo won’t notice a change in daily hearing, the science suggests a subtle shift worth paying attention to.
Tune in to discover how vitiligo may reach beyond the skin, and why a hearing check might be a sound idea.
Suggested reading: Vitiligo and Hearing Loss

Shave, Wax or Laser? Not So Fast With Vitiligo (Ep. 28)

This week, we explore why common hair removal methods—like waxing, shaving, laser, and chemical depilatories—can pose unexpected risks for people with vitiligo. From the Koebner phenomenon (when skin trauma triggers new depigmented patches) to sensitivity issues and slowed healing, we unpack what you need to know before your next grooming routine.
What’s safest? What’s potentially harmful? And what role does sun exposure or even your razor blade play in flare-ups?
With practical insights from dermatology experts and the Vitiligo Research Foundation, we cover the pros and cons of each method, safer alternatives, and how to care for your skin after hair removal. Whether your vitiligo is stable, active, or you’re simply at genetic risk, this episode arms you with science-backed guidance to make smart, skin-friendly choices.
Suggested reading: 
Vitiligo and Your Nails: The Surprising Connection You Need to Know About

World Vitiligo Day: From Shadows to Spotlight (Ep. 27)

In this powerful episode, we trace the extraordinary rise of World Vitiligo Day (WVD)—from scattered local efforts to a globally recognized health campaign that’s transforming lives.
We begin by going beyond the surface, uncovering the true nature of vitiligo as a serious autoimmune disease with deep psychological and social consequences, especially in underserved regions of Asia and Africa. Through personal stories and expert insights, we explore how early advocates in India, the US, and Nigeria planted the first seeds of change—culminating in a grassroots campaign that caught fire across the globe.
From the emotional spark of the first Purple Fun Day in Lagos to the official launch of World Vitiligo Day in Rome, we follow the movement’s expanding impact through advocacy, research collaborations, and a bold petition to the United Nations. Along the way, we highlight major turning points: the mobilization of Michael Jackson fans, global HQs shifting from country to country, and the transformation of public and scientific interest.
By the episode’s end, we celebrate a major victory: the FDA and EMA approvals of the first-ever topical treatment for vitiligo, a milestone that seemed impossible just a decade earlier.
This episode is supported by Incyte, the biopharmaceutical company behind Opzelura®, the only FDA-approved treatment for vitiligo to date—a major step forward in addressing this long-overlooked condition.
“From Shadows to Spotlight” is a tribute to the patients, advocates, and visionaries who dared to believe in a better future—and made it happen.
 

Do AI Models Really Understand the World of Vitiligo? (Ep. 26)

Do large language models like ChatGPT or Deep Seek actually understand the world, or are they just really good at faking it?
In this episode, we dig into the debate: are LLMs building genuine “world models” or just recycling patterns from massive datasets? We’ll explore real-world AI fails, like the skin lesion detector that linked rulers to cancer, and what that means for AI in diagnosing conditions like vitiligo.
Tune in to get the real story behind AI’s so-called “understanding.”
Suggested reading:
Do AI Models Really Understand the World of Vitiligo?
Cheaper AI, Higher Stakes: What Startups and Big Pharma Must Know
 

Inside Vitiligo Clinical Trials: Why, What and How? (Ep. 25)

Today, we’re diving into the cutting-edge world of vitiligo research. We’re talking about the latest clinical trials, game-changing treatments like Opzelura and JAK inhibitors, and why getting involved in these trials isn’t just about early access—it’s about making a real impact.
Thinking about joining a trial? We’ll cover what you need to know—eligibility, what to expect, and why talking to your doctor is key.
Suggested reading: 
Clinical Trials: An Important Step in Drug Development
List of current Clinical Trials in Vitiligo
 
 

From Lost to Found: 50 Years of the National Vitiligo Act, 10 Years of Advocacy Revival (Ep. 24)

In this episode, we uncover the forgotten history of the National Vitiligo Control Act—a bold bill from the 1970s aimed at transforming lives affected by vitiligo. Thought lost to time, it was rediscovered in 2015 by Yan Valle, CEO of the Vitiligo Research Foundation, reigniting hope and advocacy.
Join us as we explore:🎙️ The origins of the Act and its champion, Congressman Parren J. Mitchell, who battled vitiligo himself.🎙️ The emotional rediscovery of the Act and its impact on the vitiligo community.🎙️ How a piece of 1975 legislation echoed in 2017 and 2024.🎙️ The controversy over shifting the proposed October 17th date from World Vitiligo Day on June 25th.
This episode isn’t just about legislation—it’s about the passion and persistence that sparked a movement. Whether you’re connected to the vitiligo community or curious about the power of advocacy, this story will inspire you.
Suggested reading: 
From Lost to Found: 50 Years of the National Vitiligo Act
The Entire History of the World Vitiligo Day
 

Vitiligo and Sleep: Breaking the Vicious Circle (Ep. 23)

Vitiligo is more than a skin condition—it affects identity, confidence, and emotional well-being. The stress and anxiety linked to vitiligo can disrupt sleep, creating a cycle of restlessness and fatigue. High cortisol levels from stress interfere with the sleep-wake cycle, while autoimmune inflammation and emotional distress worsen insomnia.
But what if breaking that vicious cycle could improve both mental health and skin healing?
In this episode of Deep Dive in Vitiligo, we explore how stress, inflammation, and mental health challenges contribute to poor sleep in people with vitiligo—and how we can fix this.  
Join us as we uncover practical strategies to restore restful nights and regain control—not just over your skin but over your well-being, too.

Behavioral Epigenetics: How Stress Affects Vitiligo (Ep. 22)

Today, we explore how everyday life experiences can tweak gene expression, influence health, and even ripple through generations.
From stress management to the science behind skin conditions like vitiligo, we break it down with wit, wisdom, and practical takeaways.
Tune in to learn how your choices today might shape a healthier tomorrow for you and your future offspring!

ChatGPT vs. Doctors: The Promise and Pitfalls of AI in Medical Diagnosis (Ep. 21)

Two new studies reveal the promise and challenges of using AI-chatbots in healthcare.  
In one study, ChatGPT outperformed doctors in diagnosing illnesses from case histories, with a 90% accuracy rate compared to doctors' 76%. However, it also showed that many doctors stick to their own judgment and don’t fully utilize AI’s potential.  
Another study focused on pharmacy settings found ChatGPT struggled with complex medical questions, often providing inaccurate or even made-up answers.  
This episode unpacks what these findings mean for the future of healthcare. Can AI become a trusted partner for doctors? What needs to change to make it work—and could embracing AI save lives? Let’s dive in.