Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Vitiligo Registry for Adults and Children in the UK

This study is creating the first national registry for adults and children with vitiligo in the UK. Vitiligo is a common skin condition where patches of skin lose their colour, often starting in childhood and lasting a lifetime. Currently, there isn't a central place to collect information about people with vitiligo, their treatments, and how those treatments affect them over time. By bringing together information from many individuals, this registry aims to help doctors and researchers better understand the condition, including the long-term effects of treatments like light therapy, especially in children. It will also help identify new and more effective treatments in the future, ultimately improving care for everyone with vitiligo.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust

Enrolment target

Start

15 May 2026

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2030

Dermatologic Disease Vitiligo

What is this study about?

Vitiligo is a skin condition where your body's immune system mistakenly attacks the cells that give your skin its colour. This leads to patches of skin losing their natural pigment. It's quite common, affecting about 1 in every 100 people worldwide. For many, it starts early in life, with over half developing it before age 20 and most before age 30. While vitiligo isn't harmful to your general health, it can be a lifelong condition and sometimes requires ongoing treatments like light therapy.

Currently, there isn't a central record of people with vitiligo in the UK and how they are treated. Doctors often keep their own notes, but there's no way to combine all this information to get a complete picture. This big study aims to change that by creating a single, national registry. Think of it like a large, organised collection of information that doctors and researchers can use. This will help us learn more about how vitiligo affects people of all ages and how well different treatments work, including their long-term safety, especially for children.

Gathering this information is really important because it will help us understand vitiligo better and find new, more effective treatments. It will also help answer vital questions, such as the long-term impact of light therapy on skin health and the risk of skin cancer for people with vitiligo, particularly for children who receive such treatments over many years. This registry will be a valuable tool for improving the care of everyone living with vitiligo.

Key takeaways

This study is creating the UK's first national registry for vitiligo.
It aims to gather information from both adults and children with vitiligo.
The goal is to better understand the condition and how treatments work over time.
No new treatments are given; existing medical information is collected.
Participation helps future research and care for people with vitiligo.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for both adults and children who have been diagnosed with vitiligo by a skin specialist (dermatologist) and are currently receiving care for their condition at a hospital or specialist clinic.

To be part of the study, you (or your parents/legal guardians if you're a child) need to be willing to give written permission to participate. Children will also be asked if they understand and agree to take part, depending on their age and understanding. You should also be able to understand English well enough to complete questionnaires.

You won't be able to join if you (or your parents/guardians) don't fully understand what the study involves or if you don't wish to give your permission to participate. It's important that you or your guardian are willing to allow the study team to look at your medical records when needed and agree to future check-ups as part of the study.

Quick self-check

Have I been diagnosed with vitiligo by a skin specialist?
Am I currently receiving treatment or care for vitiligo at a hospital or specialist clinic?
Am I able to understand and complete questionnaires in English?
Am I (or my legal guardian, if I'm a child) willing to allow the study team to access my medical records?
Am I (or my legal guardian) willing to give written permission to join the study?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

This study is a registry, which means it will collect information about your vitiligo and your journey with it over a long period. You won't be given any new treatments or asked to change your current treatment as part of this study. Instead, the study team will gather details from your existing medical records, such as your diagnosis, the treatments you've received (like creams, ointments, or light therapy), and how well these treatments have worked for you.

You will also be asked to complete questionnaires about your vitiligo and its impact on your life. The study aims to follow you long-term, so there may be check-ins over many years, as allowed by your consent. The exact duration for each person will vary, but the goal is to build a comprehensive picture of vitiligo over time.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is contributing valuable information that will help improve our understanding of vitiligo and guide future treatment developments for everyone with the condition, including children. As this is a registry collecting existing information, there are no direct medical risks from participating. Your medical information will be handled with strict confidentiality. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
Wolverhampton, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a 'registry' in this context?

A registry is a secure database that collects information from many people with the same condition. It helps doctors and researchers learn more about the condition and its treatments.

Will I receive any new treatment if I join?

No, this study is not testing new treatments. It's collecting information about the treatments you are already receiving as part of your usual care.

Will my personal information be kept private?

Yes, highly confidential measures are in place to ensure your personal details are kept private and secure. All collected data will be anonymous or coded so you cannot be identified.

How long will I be involved in the study?

The study aims to follow participants long-term to understand vitiligo and its treatments over many years. The exact duration will depend on your specific situation and consent.

Can children take part?

Yes, both adults and children with vitiligo are welcome to participate, provided they meet the other study requirements and consent is given by parents/guardians (with the child's agreement where appropriate).

How to find out more

Viktoria Eleftheriadou

viktoria.eleftheriadou@nhs.net 01902307999 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.