Management of adult vitiligo: approved topical JAK inhibitor and standard therapies

INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune depigmenting disorder. Ruxolitinib 1.5% cream is currently the only therapy specifically approved for its treatment. In addition, clinical guidelines recommend off label standard therapies, including topical corticosteroids (TCS), topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCI), phototherapy (narrowband UVB or excimer devices), and selected off-label systemic regimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review summarizes the scientific evidence on approved and guideline-recommended treatments for adult vitiligo, using a PRISMA-based approach. Only English-language articles published between 2000 and 2025 were included. Interventions comprised approved therapies and standard treatments recommended by guidelines. Outcomes evaluated were changes in Facial and Total Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (F-VASI/T-VASI), quality of life, and safety. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) for non-randomized studies. RESULTS: Ruxolitinib cream demonstrated superior F-VASI responses compared with vehicles in phase II-III RCTs. Evidence supports the efficacy of potent or very potent TCS, TCI, and NB-UVB or targeted 308-nm devices in localized disease. CONCLUSION: Systemic regimens show benefits in selected clinical scenarios, although supporting evidence remains heterogeneous. Treatment selection should be individualized based on disease activity, extent, anatomical site, and patient preferences.