No White Lies: The Truth About Vitiligo

A white patch on the skin shouldn’t erase someone’s story—or their options. Live at the Science of Skin Summit, Dr. Seemal Desai breaks down what vitiligo really is: an autoimmune skin disease, not a cosmetic issue or something contagious. We trace his family’s journey from the anxiety of early PUVA treatments to today’s advanced options—topical ruxolitinib, phototherapy, oral JAK inhibitors, and promising IL-15–blocking biologics.We bust myths, explain autoimmune links, and share practical tips for care—sun protection, gentle skincare, and avoiding skin trauma. Dr. Desai also tackles stigma and insurance barriers that mislabel vitiligo as cosmetic, spotlighting the Global Vitiligo Foundation’s advocacy for access and support.