Vitiligo Treatment Clinic in Ealing

Private Pharmacist-Led Service at Bramley Pharmacy

Vitiligo is a long-term skin condition that causes pale or white patches where the skin has lost its natural pigment. It is not contagious or life-threatening, but it can have a real impact on confidence, mental health and day-to-day life.

At Bramley Pharmacy in Ealing, West London, we run a private vitiligo treatment clinic. Our clinical pharmacist independent prescriber offers individual assessments, advice on recognised treatment options and, where appropriate, private prescribing of advanced topical therapies such as Opzelura (ruxolitinib) cream.

What Is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition. The immune system mistakenly attacks melanocytes – the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. Over time, this leads to lighter or completely white patches of skin.

Common Areas Affected by Vitiligo

Vitiligo patches can appear anywhere on the body. They are often seen:

• On the face and neck

• On the hands, wrists and feet

• Around the eyes, nose and mouth

• In body folds such as armpits and groin

Patches are usually:

• Milky-white and well defined

• Irregular in shape but with clear edges against normal skin

• Often symmetrical, affecting both sides of the body (non-segmental vitiligo)

Vitiligo typically does not cause pain or physical illness, but the visible change in skin colour can be very distressing for some people.

How to Recognise Possible Vitiligo

You might be concerned about vitiligo if you notice:

• Pale or white patches that gradually increase in size

• Areas around the eyes, mouth, fingers or joints losing pigment

• No rash, crusting or discharge from the affected skin

• No obvious injury or burn that would explain the colour change

Vitiligo can sometimes be mistaken for other pigment or inflammatory skin conditions. A proper diagnosis from your GP or a dermatologist is important before considering treatments such as Opzelura or phototherapy. If your diagnosis is uncertain, we will advise you to seek medical review first rather than self-diagnose.

Vitiligo Treatment Options

There is no single treatment that works for everyone with vitiligo. The most suitable approach depends on:

• Type of vitiligo (segmental vs non-segmental)

• Where on the body it appears

• How extensive the patches are

• Your age, general health and what you are hoping to achieve

Treatments that may be considered by specialists and experienced clinicians include:

Topical Corticosteroids

Topical steroid creams and ointments are widely used in vitiligo, particularly in earlier or limited disease.

• May encourage repigmentation in some patients

• Often used in short courses on specific areas, under medical supervision

Potential problems with long-term or inappropriate use include skin thinning, visible small blood vessels and stretch marks. This is why strength, area and duration need careful planning.

Calcineurin Inhibitors (Tacrolimus, Pimecrolimus)

These non-steroidal creams are frequently used for sensitive areas such as the face, eyelids and neck.

• Help calm immune activity in the skin

• Can be useful where steroids are unsuitable or need to be limited

Side-effects can include burning or tingling when first applied and increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Narrowband UVB Phototherapy

For more extensive or resistant vitiligo, hospital dermatology teams may offer narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy:

• Controlled exposure to a specific band of UV light

• Usually given several times a week over a number of months

Phototherapy can be effective for many people but requires commitment and close monitoring, as repeated UV exposure carries a small increase in long-term skin cancer risk.

Opzelura (Ruxolitinib Cream) for Non-Segmental Vitiligo

What Is Opzelura?

Opzelura (ruxolitinib 15 mg/g cream) is a topical JAK inhibitor licensed in the UK for the treatment of non-segmental vitiligo with facial involvement in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over. It is applied directly to depigmented skin.

By blocking specific immune pathways in the skin, Opzelura may help slow immune attack on pigment cells and support repigmentation over time in some patients. Responses vary; some individuals see noticeable improvement, while others see only modest or minimal change, even with consistent use.

Who Might Be Considered for Opzelura?

Following a full clinical review, Opzelura may be considered where:

• You are 12 years or older

• You have non-segmental vitiligo that includes the face

• The total body surface area (BSA) to be treated falls within the limits of the current licence

• There are no clear contraindications or major safety concerns

Opzelura is not automatically suitable for everyone with vitiligo. Past or current cancers, immune problems, certain medical conditions and some medicines may increase risk and could mean a different approach is safer.

Possible Side-Effects and Safety Considerations

Most people tolerate Opzelura reasonably well, but all medicines carry risk. Potential side-effects can include:

• Local redness, burning or itching at the application site

• Application-site acne

• Mild upper respiratory symptoms (such as cold-like symptoms)

• Headache

Because Opzelura belongs to the JAK inhibitor class, there are also theoretical and class-related concerns about infections, changes in blood counts, cardiovascular events and malignancy. The overall risk appears much lower with topical use than with tablets, but it is not zero.

At Bramley Pharmacy, any decision to use Opzelura is made only after an individual risk–benefit assessment, detailed discussion of uncertainties and clear safety-netting advice.

Our Vitiligo and Opzelura Service at Bramley Pharmacy

Who This Service Is For

Our private vitiligo treatment clinic in Ealing is suitable for:

• Adults and adolescents aged 12 and over

• With a confirmed diagnosis of non-segmental vitiligo, ideally supported by GP or dermatology letters

• Who wish to explore medical treatment options in a structured, clinically-led setting

We do not offer a general rash or mole-check service. If we feel your skin changes are not typical for vitiligo, we will not proceed with treatment and will signpost you to your GP or dermatologist.

What Happens at Your First Appointment

Your initial assessment is always face to face with a pharmacist independent prescriber:

1. History and documentation

   • Review of your current diagnosis, letters and investigations

   • Discussion of how vitiligo affects you, including emotional and practical impact

2. Clinical assessment

   • Examination of the distribution and extent of vitiligo

   • Estimation of body surface area involved

   • Review of your other medical conditions and medicines

3. Discussion of options

   • Whether topical steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, cosmetic camouflage, phototherapy or Opzelura might be appropriate

   • Explanation of realistic goals – including that many patients do not achieve full or permanent repigmentation

4. Risk assessment and consent

   • Screening for higher-risk factors (past malignancy, immune compromise, cardiovascular risk, pregnancy and breastfeeding)

   • Clear explanation of known and potential risks, benefits and uncertainties

   • Opportunity to ask questions before deciding on any treatment

If Opzelura is considered appropriate and you wish to go ahead, a private prescription may be issued and a follow-up plan agreed.

Follow-Up and Monitoring

• Repeat prescriptions may be carried out remotely (phone or video) for stable patients with no new concerns.

• We still require regular face-to-face reviews at least every 6 months to reassess your skin, overall health and risk profile.

• With your consent, we can share a summary of your treatment plan with your GP or dermatologist to keep your wider care team informed.

If at any stage we have concerns about side-effects, new symptoms or changes in your risk profile, we may recommend pausing treatment, switching approach or referring you back to your GP or specialist.

Important Information About Opzelura and This Service

• Opzelura (ruxolitinib) is a prescription-only medicine. It can only be supplied following a consultation with an authorised prescriber.

• Any decision to prescribe will be made only after an individual clinical assessment. Treatment may not be suitable for all patients, even if they have vitiligo.

• This page is intended for general information about vitiligo and our private clinic at Bramley Pharmacy. It does not replace a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional and should not be used to diagnose or self-treat.

Vitiligo Clinic in Ealing – Book an Appointment

If you live in Ealing, West London or the surrounding area and would like to:

• Discuss your vitiligo and treatment options

• Find out whether a pharmacist-led clinic and treatments such as Opzelura may be appropriate for you

• Arrange supply against an existing private prescription from a dermatologist or doctor

Our clinical pharmacist will advise whether this service is likely to be suitable for you and outline the next steps, including consultation availability and private pricing.