Examining the gut and skin microbiome in vitiligo patients

The Gut and Skin Microbiome in Vitiligo Disease Progression

Observational Northwestern University · NCT03577327

This study looks at the gut and skin bacteria in people with vitiligo to see if their microbiomes are different from those without the condition.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 89 Years
SexAll
SponsorNorthwestern University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT03577327 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to characterize the microbiome of individuals with vitiligo, both those experiencing active disease and those with stable conditions. Researchers will compare the microbiome profiles of these patients to age and sex-matched controls without vitiligo. The goal is to determine if there are significant differences in the gut and skin microbiomes between vitiligo patients and the general population, which could provide insights into the disease's progression.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-89 with vitiligo, either with active disease or stable conditions, as well as age and sex-matched controls without vitiligo.

Not a fit: Patients younger than 18 or older than 89, as well as those unable to provide informed consent, will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to a better understanding of vitiligo and potential new avenues for treatment based on microbiome modulation.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of examining the gut and skin microbiome in vitiligo is relatively novel, similar studies in other conditions have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with and/or without vitiligo lesional expansion over the past year.
* Age/sex-matched controls who do not have a diagnosis of vitiligo
* Subjects who are age 18-89 years of age at time of enrollment
* Subjects who are able and willing to give informed consent for this study and the Dermatology Tissue Acquisition and Biorepository (STU00009443)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects who are younger than 18 years of age or 90 years of age or older
* Subjects who are unable to give consent

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions VitiligoHealthy
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.