This week, I had the pleasure of attending the XIV International Congress of Dermatology (ICD), held from June 18 to 21, 2025, at the stunning Rome Congress Centre La Nuvola.

TL;DR:

At the XIV International Congress of Dermatology in Rome, vitiligo emerged as a central theme in a series of high-profile sessions. With thought leaders like Prof. Lotti and industry players like Incyte spotlighting breakthroughs in treatment, the event marked a turning point in how pigmentary disorders are understood and addressed. 

Organized under the leadership of the International Society of Dermatology (ISD) and its President, Prof. Nellie Konnikov — a long-time friend and steadfast supporter of our cause — the event brought together thousands of dermatology professionals from around the globe.

Held under the auspices of the Italian Societies of Dermatology — SIDeMaST, ADMG, ADOI, and ADI — this year’s ICD seamlessly combined tradition and innovation. True to its theme, it offered “something for everyone” along the six diverse roads of dermatology, from clinical breakthroughs to public health and global advocacy.

Vitiligo took a well-earned place in the spotlight. The dedicated sessions began on June 18 during the ICD Sister Society Meeting, with Prof. Torello Lotti presenting “Vitiligo: What’s New and What’s True in 2025,” followed by Prof. Marius-Anton Ionescu’s high-energy talk, “Tsunami Wave of New Oral and Topical Agents for AD, AA, and Vitiligo.”

On June 19, Incyte hosted a forward-looking session titled “Sharing Real Practice in Vitiligo: Beyond Clinical Data for a New Chapter of Vitiligo Management” — bridging clinical evidence with lived experiences and patient-centered care.

And on June 20, the Congress delivered a standout session on Vitiligo & Pigmentary Disorders, where esteemed dermatologists including Drs. Richard Huggins, Seemal R. Desai, Rashmi Sarkar, Henry W. Lim, Vinay Keshavamurthy, and Evangeline Handog shared compelling updates, research insights, and new directions in treating pigmentary conditions.

It was a joy to witness such high-caliber dialogue, where science meets empathy and discovery meets real-world application. The atmosphere was deeply collegial and energizing — a true reminder of how far we’ve come, and how much more there is to achieve for people living with vitiligo.

From Rome — with admiration and renewed purpose.

Yan Valle, CEO VRF

Keep on reading: 

• Florence, Fake News, and 3,000 Priorities
• WHO Declares Skin Diseases a Global Health Priority — What It Means (and Doesn’t) for Vitiligo
• Pediatric Sun Protection Guidelines In Vitiligo: Balancing Sun Safety and Vitamin D

Prof. Torello Lotti, Academican of the Italian Republic and VRF Chair of Scientific Board

Profs. Nellie Konnikov, Mark Valentine, Torello Lotti

Prof. Yan Valle, CEO VRF