24/02/2026
NICE has announced today that Ruxolitinib cream will be offered to tens of thousands of people on the NHS as a treatment for people aged 12 and above who have non-segmental vitiligo.
Non-segmental vitiligo is a form of the disease in which white patches appear symmetrically on both sides of the face and body. Vitiligo is caused by a lack of a pigment called melanin in the skin and it can affect any area of the skin, but most commonly affects the face, neck, and hands.
The British Association of Dermatologists engaged with NICE throughout the appraisal process and appeal, submitting detailed clinical evidence and highlighting the psychological impact of vitiligo and the importance of patient experience in treatment decisions.
Dr Tamara Griffiths, spokesperson for the British Association of Dermatologists, said:
“We are delighted to see ruxolitinib approved for use on the NHS. As the first licensed treatment for non-segmental vitiligo, it offers a genuinely new option for patients, particularly for repigmentation of the face, which many people tell us matters most to them.
Vitiligo can have a profound psychological impact, especially when it affects the face or other visible areas. Rates of anxiety, depression and low self-esteem are higher in people with facial vitiligo than in the general population. The condition can be particularly distressing for people with darker skin tones, as changes in pigmentation may be more noticeable and can affect confidence and sense of identity.
Until now, treatment options have been limited, often unlicensed and only modestly effective. Some require months of hospital-based light therapy, while long-term use of strong steroid creams carries risks and is not suitable for everyone.”
Ruxolitinib is a cream that helps restore lost skin colour to the face. You can visit your GP to seek guidance for vitiligo management and treatment.
Read more here: https://www.bad.org.uk/nice-approves-first-licensed-treatment-for-non-segmental-vitiligo-on-the-nhs