Episode 147: Uncovering the Complexities: Navigating the Treatment of Vitiligo in Individuals with Skin of Color

Learn Skin with Dr. Raja and Dr. Hadar

Looking to brush up on the ins and outs of vitiligo? We’ve always got you covered. In this week’s podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Nada Elbuluk as she digs a bit deeper into the disease. Listen in as she discusses patient anxieties, what to check first, and how certain treatments are better catered to certain patients. Each Thursday, join Dr. Raja and Dr. Hadar, board certified dermatologists, as they share the latest evidence based research in integrative dermatology. For access to CE/CME courses, become a member at LearnSkin.com.

Nada Elbuluk, MD MSc specializes in pigmentary disorders and skin, hair and nail conditions affecting individuals of color, along with general medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is the founder and director of the USC Skin of Color and Pigmentary Disorders Program at Keck Medicine of USC. She also established the USC Skin of Color and Pigmentary Disorders Research Fellowship and the Dermatology Diversity and Inclusion Program at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. Dr. Elbuluk received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Princeton University. She received her medical degree and master’s degree in clinical research at the University of Michigan. She completed her dermatology residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Afterwards, she was a fellow and clinical instructor in the Dermatology Department at the University of Pennsylvania and then spent four years as an assistant professor at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, where she was the founder and director of the pigmentary disorder clinic and served as the diversity ambassador for the department. Dr. Elbuluk’s clinical and research interests include such pigmentary disorders as vitiligo and melasma, as well as conditions that cause lightening or darkening of the skin. Among the procedures she performs are chemical peels, microneedling, lasers and botulinum toxin injections for all skin types. In addition, Dr. Elbuluk is devoted to ensuring health equity for all patients and improving health disparities. A passionate teacher, she created a Skin of Color educational curriculum for Keck Medicine dermatology residents and serves as the director of curriculum equity for the Keck School. Dr. Elbuluk serves on the board of directors of the Global Vitiligo Foundation and the Women’s Dermatologic Society. She also holds various leadership roles and memberships in the Skin of Color Society, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the American Academy of Dermatology. Additionally, she is a sought-after media expert and has been widely interviewed by local, national and international news platforms, including print, radio and TV, on a range of topics related to dermatology, as well as health equity. Outside of her clinical practice, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, along with traveling, playing tennis and trying new foods.