Private Vitiligo Treatment in London: Consultant Dermatologist Care for Pigment Restoration

Vitiligo causes progressive loss of skin pigment (melanin), producing well‑defined pale patches that may occur on the face, hands, body and scalp. Because activity can wax and wane, effective treatment requires careful classification and a plan that adapts as your skin changes. At Skinhorizon Clinic in Maida Vale, our consultant‑led team builds personalised regimens that combine medical therapy, 308 nm Excimer UVB where suitable, and supportive technologies to help restore natural‑looking pigment for patients across Central London, West London, St John’s Wood and Paddington.

What Is Vitiligo — and Why Does Pigment Fade?

Vitiligo is an acquired condition in which melanocytes (pigment‑producing cells) are selectively lost. It can be segmental (localised, often stable) or non‑segmental/generalised (symmetric, may expand). Autoimmune mechanisms are thought to play a role, and episodes can be influenced by friction, sun exposure, stress and skin inflammation. Because course and activity vary, treatment aims to stabilise active areas and encourage repigmentation from hair follicles and surrounding skin.

Your Consultant Dermatologist Assessment

• History & mapping: onset, spread, activity and prior treatments; lifestyle, sun exposure and phototype.
• Wood’s lamp examination: uses UVA to highlight subtle borders and activity (learn more).
• Baseline documentation: optional digital skin analysis to quantify area and monitor gains.
• Plan & goals: agree realistic expectations for rate and distribution of repigmentation; discuss sun safety and camouflage if wished.

Evidence‑Based Treatments We Use

• Topical therapy: calcineurin inhibitors and/or appropriately cycled corticosteroids for active margins and facial sites.
• Targeted light therapy: 308 nm Excimer UVB for localised patches (face, hands, segmental areas) with consultant‑defined protocols.
• Adjunct photobiomodulation: LED phototherapy may support comfort and recovery between UVB sessions.
• Supportive care: emollients, sun‑smart routines and gentle camouflage (colour‑matching guidance available).

For an overview of our pathway, visit Vitiligo treatment.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Excimer UVB?

Excimer is most helpful for stable or mildly active, localised vitiligo, particularly on the face and limited body areas. Response is typically better where hair follicles are abundant (perifollicular repigmentation) and in earlier lesions. Suitability depends on skin type, distribution, activity and medical history — your consultant will advise on expected outcomes and session planning.

Results, Timelines & Maintenance

Repigmentation is gradual. With consistent therapy, early freckles of pigment often appear at hair follicles within weeks, coalescing over months. The number of sessions varies by site and activity. Once stable, you’ll receive a maintenance plan to protect gains (sun safety, gentle skincare, quick‑start flare protocol if activity returns).

Your Treatment Journey at Skinhorizon (Calm & Structured)

1. Consult & classify: confirm subtype and activity with exam + Wood’s lamp.
2. Plan & prime: start topical protocol; set realistic goals; photoprotection guidance.
3. Session block (if indicated): targeted Excimer UVB with measured intervals; optional comfort support with LED.
4. Review & maintain: track progress with digital analysis; adjust plan; long‑term maintenance.

Related Concerns We Often Manage with Vitiligo

Patients sometimes present with co‑existing dry skin or post‑inflammatory pigment change. Our team also diagnoses and treats other pigmentary and inflammatory conditions in the face and scalp; if needed we can arrange targeted tests and supportive therapies.

FAQs: Private Vitiligo Treatment in London