On World Vitiligo Day, a Game-Changing App Launches to Help Millions Worldwide

LOS ANGELES - June 25, 2025 - PRLog -- Reykjavík, Iceland — Today, on World Vitiligo Day, a powerful new tool is being launched to support the global vitiligo community: VitiligoGuardian (www.vitiligoguardian.com) - the first AI-powered app that helps users identify chemicals in everyday products that may trigger or worsen vitiligo.

Created by a long-time vitiligo sufferer who has lived through years of progression, frustration, and confusion, VitiligoGuardian is the result of tireless, day-and-night development leading up to this symbolic day.

"I never knew that the intense itching and spreading of vitiligo on my feet was caused by a chemical called p-Phenylenediamine, which is found in most black fabrics," says Kári Thor Runarsson, the app's creator. "It was only after deep research that I realized how widespread chemical-induced vitiligo is – and how few people know about it."

A Hidden Cause Most Patients Don't Know Exists

Chemical-induced vitiligo is an underrecognized form of depigmentation, triggered by contact with certain substances commonly found in:

• Black clothing and synthetic fabrics
• Hair dyes and sunscreens
• Deodorants and skincare products
• Makeup, perfumes, and even rubber items

Dermatological research has identified around 20 chemicals known to trigger or exacerbate vitiligo in sensitive individuals. But here's the real challenge: each chemical can go by 5, 10, or even 15 different names. Take p-Phenylenediamine (commonly found in hair dyes and dark textiles) as an example — it may appear on labels as:

PPD, Para-phenylenediamine, 1,4-benzenediamine, 4-aminoaniline, Phenylenediamine base, Orsin, Rodol, Ursol, p-diaminobenzene, 1,4-diaminobenzene, 1,4-phenylene diamine, PPDA, 4-Phenylenediamine, para-Diaminobenzene, para-Aminoaniline and more.

Trying to manually check all these against a long list of cosmetic or textile ingredients is overwhelming — and that's just for one chemical.

VitiligoGuardian solves this with a simple scan or search by allowing users to scan ingredient lists on product labels or photos, instantly flagging potentially harmful substances based on extensive research from dermatological studies. What once took hours of manual research can now be done in seconds.

About Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition where pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) are destroyed, causing white patches to appear on the skin. It affects an estimated 1–2% of the global population, with no known cure. Though not contagious or physically harmful, it can have profound emotional and psychological impacts, particularly due to social stigma and visibility.

A Tool Built By Someone Who Understands

"I built this for the millions like me who are tired of guessing what products might be safe. If even one person avoids unnecessary progression because of this app, it will all be worth it."

Visit www.vitiligoguardian.com