Deep Dive In Vitiligo

Deep Dive In Vitiligo

Explore the powerful story of vitiligo—a ‘white armor’ that challenges, empowers, and inspires resilience. Join us weekly as we delve into the science, medicine, philosophy, and personal experiences behind this intricate skin condition. Hosted by Yan Valle, CEO of the VR Foundation and author of Amazon’s bestselling book on vitiligo, this podcast breaks down cutting-edge research and celebrates stories of strength. With our engaging AI-driven anchors, we make even complex ideas both accessible and captivating. Let’s dive in together and reimagine what it means to embrace, thrive, and shine with vitiligo!

Episodes

October 14, 2025 22 mins

Forget everything you thought you knew about vitiligo.

In this episode, we explore a groundbreaking new classification that shifts the focus from where vitiligo appears to how it behaves — offering doctors and patients a smarter, more predictive framework for care.

Ditch the old “segmental vs. non-segmental” divide. Meet five real-world phenotypes:

  • Highly Active Vitiligo...
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That 2 p.m. crash isn’t just about carbs, boredom, or Netflix binges. A sweeping new study of 6,000 people shows your blood chemistry — the hormones, fats, and even last night’s cheese board — may be scripting your afternoon slump.

In this episode, we unpack the seven molecules linked to daytime sleepiness, from omega fatty acids that keep you sharp to tyramine (hello, wine and parmesan) that makes men e...

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What does vitiligo care really cost in America today? From dermatology consults and phototherapy sessions to prescription creams like Opzelura, the bills can pile up fast.

In this episode, we unpack the true 2025 price tag of vitiligo treatment in the U.S., how much insurance actually covers, and the out-of-pocket traps patients often face.

Plus: practical tips to stretch coverage, navigate...

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Vitiligo care is finally breaking free from the old routine of steroids and phototherapy. Biologics like JAK inhibitors are driving impressive repigmentation in trials, while ruxolitinib cream made history as the first FDA-approved topical.

But the real headline is safety. A decade of FDA reports on tacrolimus, pimecrolimus, and ruxolitinib shows mostly mild, local side effects — yet a few rare surprises...

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Today, we take you behind the scenes of something rare: a tour inside Incyte’s research labs in Wilmington, Delaware, followed by the Patient Advocacy Summit.

Day One (September 4, 2025) felt almost cinematic — community leaders walking the same halls as scientists, asking everything from “What does it take to become a scientist?” to “How do you decide which molecule deserves millions in investment?”

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What really causes vitiligo? Genes, autoimmunity, stress… yes. But research now suggests where you live could matter just as much.

A major new study links environmental chemicals — especially phenols from industry and household products — to striking vitiligo “hotspots” across the U.S., including Massachusetts, the Rust Belt, and the Midwest.

In this episode, we take on one of the toughest questions in vitiligo research: how much o...

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Curious about the future of vitiligo treatment?

We take an investor-grade tour of the pipeline—breaking down leading mechanisms (JAK/TYK2, immune modulation, melanocyte regeneration), late- vs. early-stage assets, pivotal readouts, safety themes, and regional access.

We also track pricing and reimbursement signals, partnerships and M&A to watch, and what it all means for clinics, patien...

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Can an AI “talk” to cells? Yes—sort of.

This over-the-horizon episode spotlights a breakthrough open model family that turns single-cell RNA-seq into readable “cell sentences,” unlocking plain English Q&A, fast summaries, and even simulations of cell responses to drugs or edits.

Think of it as the next chapter after our vitiligo.ai experiments — a glimpse at making biology a conversation everyone can join.

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A quick, punchy ride through the origins of World Vitiligo Day and the trailblazers who lit the fuse. We lift off with the origin story — Rome’s modest launchpad to Toronto’s full-throttle HQ.   Highlights on approach:
  • A stop-the-room cameo from broadcast legend Lee Thomas
  • Science talks so clear your neighbor could explain them
  • AI-powered startup demos
  • A choke-up moment at the Calico screening
  • Community energy strong enough to...
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Fifteen years ago, vitiligo was a condition people barely whispered about. Today, World Vitiligo Day punches into nine-figure territory on social media and breakfast TV—without a Hollywood budget.

In this episode we trace WVD’s unlikely rise:

  • The kitchen-table origins in India, Nigeria, and Rome

  • A rolling-headquarters model that keeps the stage moving—and growing

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AI is changing the game in vitiligo care — from spotting early signs to predicting disease progression.

In this episode, we dive into breakthrough research using machine learning to distinguish between segmental and nonsegmental vitiligo, forecast disease activity, and improve diagnosis using blood tests, imaging, and clinical data. 

We cover:

  • Why traditional diagnostic ...

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What started as a small awareness event has grown into a global movement that’s reshaping the future of dermatology.

In this episode, we trace the remarkable rise of World Vitiligo Day (WVD) — a campaign that brought visibility to a long-overlooked condition, ignited pharmaceutical innovation, and redefined what global health advocacy can achieve.

Now in its 15th year, WVD 2025 is headquart...

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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 rel...

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May 26, 2025 23 mins

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 t...

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    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 ...

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    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 awa...

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    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 b...

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    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. ...

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    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 m...

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    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 ...

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