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Podcast
Vitiligo’s New Suspect: Your ZIP Code (Ep. 42)
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 of this condition is shaped not just by your DNA, but by your environment. We’ll unpack what vitiligo is, what causes it, whether chemicals can trigger or worsen the disease, and how birthplace and early-life exposures may influence its severity over time.
Is your ZIP code quietly shaping your skin health? Let’s find out.
For the full deep dive, read The Vitiligo – Postal Code Connection Revealed

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FAQOther Questions
- Will it spread?
Vitiligo's progression and response to treatment can vary significantly among individuals, making it a particularly unpredictable skin condition. Based on the VALIANT study, her...
- What are risks of oral and topical corticosteroids?
Corticosteroid drugs (like hydrocortisone, and others) are often used for treating vitiligo. By mimicing the effects of hormones your body produces naturally in your adrenal gla...
- Does vitiligo increase the risk of skin cancer?
No, it does not. Despite common misconceptions, people with vitiligo are actually at a lower risk of developing skin cancer—including both nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and mal...
Though it is not always easy to treat vitiligo, there is much to be gained by clearly understanding the diagnosis, the future implications, treatment options and their outcomes.
Many people deal with vitiligo while remaining in the public eye, maintaining a positive outlook, and having a successful career.
Copyright (C) Bodolóczki JúliaBy taking a little time to fill in the anonymous questionnaire, you can help researchers better understand and fight vitiligo.