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Living with vitiligo can be emotionally challenging. The condition causes areas of the skin to lose color, sometimes spreading unpredictably over time. While vitiligo isn’t contagious or physically harmful, its visible nature can take a toll on confidence and self-esteem—especially for those who develop it at a young age.
At Apex Clinical Research Center, we’re committed to exploring new ways to restore pigment and improve quality of life for those living with vitiligo. Our dermatology research team is currently planning a vitiligo clinical trial for 2026, designed to help uncover better, longer-lasting treatment options.
What Is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a rare autoimmune condition that destroys melanocytes—the skin cells responsible for pigment and color. When these cells are attacked, they stop producing melanin, leaving behind white patches that contrast sharply with the surrounding skin. The condition affects people of all skin tones and genders about equally, though the difference in pigment is often more visible in those with darker complexions.
These patches can appear anywhere on the body and often start small before growing over time. In some cases, vitiligo can also affect areas with hair, causing it to turn white. Although it affects only about 0.5–2% of the global population, the impact can be significant—not just on the skin, but on emotional well-being and quality of life.
Vitiligo often (but not always) starts out on the hands, arms, feet, and/or face, but it can spread anywhere on the body, including the scalp and mucous membranes (inside the mouth, nose, privates, etc.). Some people with vitiligo experience color loss in part of an eye, or even hearing changes if the melanocytes connected to the inner ear are affected.
Types of Vitiligo
The two most common types of vitiligo are:
- Non-segmental vitiligo(NSV): This type is the most common, presenting in symmetrical patterns on both sides of the body.
- Segmental vitiligo(SV): This type presents with localized patches, typically on one side of the body.
In rare cases, some people develop both types of vitiligo, and dermatologists call this “mixed type vitiligo”. Pigment loss can occur slowly or suddenly, and it’s worth noting that sometimes spontaneous re-pigmentation occurs. In other words, sometimes melanocytes will regenerate, and the skin regains its former color in some areas, even without treatment.
Causes of Vitiligo: Who Develops It—and How It’s Diagnosed
Vitiligo can affect anyone of any gender or ethnicity. Cases often develop in people under the age of 30, although they can also emerge later. Although the causes of vitiligo are still under investigation, scientists have noted the following risk factors that make it more likely a person could develop the condition:
Genetics and Family History
Two aspects of genetics seem to be in play with vitiligo. First, about 20-30% of patients with vitiligo have a family member who also has the condition, so there is likely a genetic component. Second, people with a family history of other types of autoimmune diseases also have an increased risk of developing vitiligo.
Connection to Other Autoimmune Diseases
In addition to having a family member with Vitiligo, patients or their family members who have any of the following also run a higher risk:
- Anemia
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Addison’s disease
- Psoriasis
- Lupus
- Thyroid disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Additionally, immune system imbalances of any kind can increase the risk of vitiligo.
Environmental Triggers and Traumas
Outside elements can also trigger vitiligo, including excessive sun exposure that leads to sunburns, traumas to the skin (cuts, bruises, abrasions, etc.). Sometimes, prolonged emotional stress or emotional trauma can trigger vitiligo as well.
Diagnosing Vitiligo
Your dermatologist can diagnose vitiligo by asking you about your medical history and doing the following tests:
- Wood’s Lamp examination—A special UV light that highlights areas of pigment loss.
- Skin biopsy—A small sample of affected skin may be examined to rule out other conditions.
- Blood testing—These tests can help to identify related autoimmune factors that could be related to your specific causes of vitiligo.
Current Vitiligo Treatments and Why Research Still Matters
Although vitiligo treatment is not considered medically necessary since the condition doesn’t cause physical harm, it does cause significant mental and emotional distress and social stigma that can exacerbate anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. That alone makes researching additional vitiligo treatment options through dermatology clinical trials worthwhile.
Current vitiligo treatments focus on helping to re-pigment (re-color) affected skin, or, in widespread cases of vitiligo, to de-pigment the skin so it matches the white patches. So, additional dermatology research is needed to expand the scope of treatment options and uncover solutions to the underlying, systemic autoimmune causes of vitiligo. Some of the current vitiligo treatment options include:
- Topical corticosteroids—These can help reduce inflammation and promote re-pigmentation but can become less effective over time and shouldn’t be used on a long-term basis.
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus)—These medications are for vitiligo present in sensitive areas.
- Phototherapy (NB-UVB light therapy)—This vitiligo treatment can stimulate pigment cells, but it requires consistent, long-term visits.
- Systemic therapies such as oral corticosteroids or immunosuppressants—These therapies are used to treat widespread cases of vitiligo.
- Depigmentation therapy—This is a last resort for extensive cases where there is more depigmented skin than pigmented skin.
- Topical JAK inhibitors—The topical drug Opzelura is now FDA-approved and indicated for vitiligo. This drug targets the T-cells that attack the melanocytes by regulating faulty cytokine signaling that triggers immune cells to attack the skin cells.
These vitiligo treatment options can help some people. However, the results are often inconsistent or temporary, and sometimes patients deal with difficult side effects as well. This underscores the need for continued dermatology research and clinical trials to find better treatments that are more easily tolerated and effective for a wider range of vitiligo patients.
The Future of Vitiligo Research at Apex Clinical Research Center
Apex Clinical Research Center is dedicated to exploring innovative approaches to difficult chronic skin conditions, including vitiligo. Although no studies are currently enrolling, please keep an eye on our dermatology clinical trials page for updates, as we plan to begin research for vitiligo treatment in 2026. We will have more information about the study criteria and eligibility at that time.
In the meantime, our dermatology research team continues advancing patient-focused research to improve safety, outcomes, and overall quality of life. Every study we conduct helps move science forward toward more effective, compassionate care for patients with pigment-related autoimmune disorders. Please contact us with any questions and sign up for updates about the upcoming vitiligo clinical trials.
