Deep Dive In Vitiligo

Sixty Years Of Vitiligo Research — Where Are We Now And What Comes Next? (Ep. 35)

For decades, vitiligo was dismissed as “just cosmetic” — but today, it’s driving some of the most exciting breakthroughs in dermatology.
In this episode, we break down what’s changing, what’s coming, and why there’s finally real hope on the horizon.
From its overlooked beginnings to a market now worth billions, vitiligo is undergoing a scientific renaissance — thanks in no small part to relentless patient advocacy and the rising influence of World Vitiligo Day.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone with vitiligo, or just curious about what’s next — this episode gives you the full picture, in plain language.

When Spots Start Young (Ep. 34)

Vitiligo can start surprisingly early — even in toddlers. In this episode, we unpack what pediatric vitiligo looks like, why it happens, how it progresses, and what treatments work best for kids.
We also explore the emotional side of childhood vitiligo and offer tips for age-appropriate conversations that build confidence, not confusion.
From the very first white patch on a toddler’s knee to the emotional rollercoaster of puberty, we break down:
How and why pediatric vitiligo develops (hint: it’s not just about genes),
The difference between segmental and non-segmental vitiligo in kids,
High-risk signs parents should keep an eye on — and when to call a specialist,
Treatment options that actually work (including what to expect and when to expect it),
And how to talk to your child about their condition in a way that builds confidence, not confusion.
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or clinician, this is your essential guide to supporting young skin — and young hearts — through vitiligo.
🎧 Tune in now to learn why early intervention matters, how kids respond differently to treatment, and why no two vitiligo journeys look the same.
Previous episodes: 
Let's Talk Vitiligo and Beauty During Pregnancy (Ep. 33)
Vitiligo and Pregnancy: The Complex Connection (Ep. 14)
Continue reading:
New Expert Recommendations on Pediatric Vitiligo Care
Pediatric Sun Protection Guidelines In Vitiligo: Balancing Sun Safety and Vitamin D
The Real Price Tag of Treating Vitiligo: What You Need to Know
 

Let’s Talk Vitiligo & Beauty During Pregnancy (Ep. 33)

Hey future mama — this one’s for you.
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but let’s be honest — it can come with some very real changes. Hormones run wild, your skin might not feel like your own, and suddenly you’re questioning every product in your bathroom.
Should you keep using that favorite face cream? Is a quick salon visit still safe? And what about that miracle stretch mark oil you’ve been eyeing?
In this episode, we’re diving into what no one really talks about:
💄 Why your skin changes during pregnancy (and what you can actually do about it)
👶 How certain ingredients could affect your baby — especially in those early weeks
⚠️ Hidden dangers in everyday products, like oxybenzone, parabens, and more
🧴 Which beauty treatments are worth skipping — and which might be safe with expert advice
🤱 What to watch out for during breastfeeding (yes, that matters too)
 
This is your gentle reminder that sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do… is wait. Your glow can wait. Your baby’s safety can’t.
So breathe, mama. You’ve got this — and we’ve got you. Tune in and feel confident, informed, and supported every step of the way.
Previous episode:
Vitiligo and Pregnancy: The Complex Connection (Ep. 14)
Continue journey: 
New Expert Recommendations on Pediatric Vitiligo Care
Behavioral Epigenetics: How Social Experiences Influence Vitiligo

Martha Stewart and Other Celebrities With Vitiligo (Ep. 32)

She built an empire on perfection — but when Martha Stewart casually revealed she’s had vitiligo for decades, it wasn’t a headline grab. It was something better: real.
In Episode 32 of Deep Dive in Vitiligo, we unpack why Martha’s low-key confession matters. From Michael Jackson’s media storm to Winnie Harlow’s modeling revolution, to Jon Hamm and Joe Rogan’s quiet acknowledgments — every story chips away at stigma and makes space for acceptance.
No drama. No spotlight. Just the quiet power of owning your story.
🎧 Tune in to explore how visibility — even whispered — can still change the narrative.
Continue the journey: 
Martha Stewart, Vitiligo, and the Quiet Power of Speaking Up

The Vitiligo Paradox: Risky for the Heart, Protective for the Rest? (Ep. 31)

This time, we’re zooming out — way out — to look at vitiligo not just as a skin condition, but as a surprising window into your overall health. From heart disease and immune superpowers to the role stress plays in flipping genetic switches, this one’s a journey through the body (and maybe even time).
We break down a fascinating new study that links vitiligo to a slightly higher risk of coronary heart disease — but hold that panic button. Other research shows that vitiligo might actually protect against all sorts of other issues, from certain cancers and Parkinson’s to severe COVID-19. It’s complicated — but in the best possible way.
We’ll also dip our toes into the wild world of behavioral epigenetics (yes, your genes are eavesdropping on your life), and how stress and lifestyle might shape not only your skin, but your future health — and even your kids’.
In this episode:
Why vitiligo might raise your heart’s risk profile — but lower others
How your immune system could be wearing “white armor”
What stress does to your gene expression (and how to fight back)
Where this all fits in the big picture of care and research 
🎧 Tune in for a curious, hopeful, and science-packed ride through the lesser-known sides of vitiligo.
Suggested reading: 
Vitiligo’s White Armour: A Shield Against Mortality & Diseases?
Vitiligo's Unexpected Health Benefits

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