Vitiligo Treatment in London

The precise cause of vitiligo is still being researched, but the mechanism is clearly autoimmune. The condition involves a complex interplay of factors:

• Autoimmune Activity (The Core Cause) The primary mechanism is the body's immune T-cells attacking melanocytes as if they were foreign invaders.
• Genetic Predisposition A significant percentage of patients have a family history, suggesting certain genes make individuals susceptible to the condition.
• Associated Conditions Vitiligo is often seen alongside other autoimmune disorders, particularly thyroid disease (Hashimoto's or Graves' disease), type 1 diabetes, or pernicious anaemia.

Common Triggers that May Initiate or Worsen Vitiligo (Koebner Phenomenon):

• Skin Trauma A severe sunburn, cut, scrape, or wound can trigger a new vitiligo patch to form at the site of the injury (known as the Koebner phenomenon).
• Severe Stress Significant emotional or physical stress can sometimes precede the onset or rapid progression of the condition.
• Chemical Exposure Contact with certain industrial chemicals may trigger pigment loss in localised areas.

Diagnosis at Revitalise London

Accurate diagnosis by a specialist is key. Our dermatologists often use a Wood's lamp (an ultraviolet light) to examine the skin, as it makes vitiligo patches fluoresce, helping to distinguish them clearly from other hypopigmentation conditions (like PIH or fungal infections). We may also recommend blood tests to check for associated autoimmune conditions.

The goal of treatment is to stimulate the return of pigment and stabilize the spread of the condition. Our treatments are personalized for the best chance of successful repigmentation:

• Targeted Topical Immunomodulators Prescription creams such as potent corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors are used to calm the immune attack on melanocytes and encourage repigmentation.
• Advanced Light Therapy (Narrowband UVB - NBUVB) This is a gold-standard treatment. NBUVB targets the depigmented areas to stimulate dormant melanocytes and is often used for widespread or generalized vitiligo.
• Medical Microneedling & Serums Combining microneedling with specific vitamins or peptide serums can physically encourage the migration and activity of remaining melanocytes.
• Surgical Repigmentation (Grafting) For cases of stable vitiligo (no new patches for a year or more), our specialists may discuss procedures like skin grafting or melanocyte transplantation to restore pigment to small, localized areas.
• Depigmentation Therapy For patients with very extensive vitiligo (where most of the body is affected), prescription creams can be used to lighten the remaining darker skin, creating a uniform, pale appearance.
• Camouflage Cosmetics and Skincare Professional training and advice on medical-grade camouflage products to seamlessly blend patches with surrounding skin for daily confidence, alongside crucial, high-factor sun protection.