John E. Harris, MD, PhD: The Current State of Vitiligo and Alopecia Areata Research

Vitiligo, much like other inflammatory skin disorders such as alopecia areata and atopic dermatitis, is a complex condition with various physical and psychological burdens, affecting 1% to 2% of the global population.

For roughly 15 years, John E. Harris, MD, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Dermatology, Founding Director, Vitiligo Clinic and Research Center, has been intensely studying the pathogenesis of vitiligo, as well as potential treatments.

Harris initially studied type 1 diabetes when he was a student, but an encounter with a patient with vitiligo inspired him to become a dermatologist. In time, he became one of the most prominent vitiligo experts, whose skills are used daily at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) in Worcester, MA.

In this interview with Dr. Brad Glick, Harris provided insight into his decades of research on inflammatory skin disorder including vitiligo and alopecia areata. He also offered an in-depth analysis on the most recent data surrounding the conditions, and promising new therapies involving topical steroids, JAK inhibitors and more.