Batna Journal of Medical Sciences
Volume 13, Numéro 3, Pages 224-232
2026-05-29
Vitiligo In Rheumatology Context: Significance And Therapeutic Implications
Authors : Remita Kamel .
Abstract
This focused narrative review explores the significant interface between vitiligo, an autoimmune dermatologic condition, and systemic rheumatic diseases. Moving beyond its historical perception as a purely cutaneous disorder, vitiligo is now recognised as part of a broader autoimmune spectrum. It shares common genetic loci and a critical reliance on the interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)/JAK-STAT signalling pathway with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Large-scale epidemiologic studies and Mendelian randomisation analyses confirm a significantly increased co-occurrence, with RA emerging as the most frequent rheumatic comorbidity. This shared immunopathogenesis has direct therapeutic implications. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, originally designed for rheumatological applications, have shown considerable effectiveness in facilitating vitiligo repigmentation, indicating a potential dual-purpose therapeutic approach. Conversely, certain biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), including tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) inhibitors, have been associated with paradoxical vitiligo induction or exacerbation. These findings underscore the necessity for a collaborative, multidisciplinary care model between dermatology and rheumatology. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for rheumatic disease in patients with vitiligo and vice versa, ensuring diagnostic and therapeutic decisions account for this complex autoimmune relationship.
Keywords
Vitiligo ; Autoimmune diseases ; Rheumatic diseases ; JAK–STAT pathway ; Multidisciplinary care
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