ANTINUCLEAR ANTIBODIES IN VITILIGO: DO THEY PREDICT PHOTOTHERAPY RESPONSE?
Vitiligo is often viewed as an autoimmune skin disorder, and some patients have antinuclear antibodies (ANA) on lab testing. But does ANA positivity mean phototherapy will work less well—or carry higher risks? In a prospective cohort study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment in early 2026, researchers examined whether ANA status affects the effectiveness and tolerability of 308-nm excimer light therapy for vitiligo when combined with topical agents (and, in highly active disease, oral prednisone mini-pulse therapy). Here is how the groups differed, which areas repigmented differently, and why the authors suggest that low-titer ANA usually does not require changing standard management. Full analysis and practical takeaways in our editorial note.