The Jersey Skin Doctor

07/03/2026

27/02/2026

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

11/02/2026

08/02/2026

08/02/2026

The Government announced over the weekend that the upcoming National Cancer Plan will address businesses that illegally allow under-18s to access commercial sunbeds. New proposals under the soon-to-be-launched Plan will strengthen requirements on sunbed providers, including banning unsupervised sessions and introducing mandatory ID checks to ensure businesses verify customers are over 18.

The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) welcomes the proposed Government crackdown on sunbeds under the National Cancer Plan. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, and sunbed use before the age of 35 increases lifetime melanoma risk by as much as 75%. A consultation on these proposals will launch in Spring 2026, and new rules could come into force as soon as 2027.

26/01/2026

The Government announced over the weekend that the upcoming National Cancer Plan will address businesses that illegally allow under-18s to access commercial sunbeds. New proposals under the soon-to-be-launched Plan will strengthen requirements on sunbed providers, including banning unsupervised sessions and introducing mandatory ID checks to ensure businesses verify customers are over 18.

The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) welcomes the proposed Government crackdown on sunbeds under the National Cancer Plan. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, and sunbed use before the age of 35 increases lifetime melanoma risk by as much as 75%. A consultation on these proposals will launch in Spring 2026, and new rules could come into force as soon as 2027.

06/12/2025

Editorial: shows significant promise as a chemopreventive agent to reduce skin cancer risk in those with a history of the disease, advocating for its integration into routine secondary prevention alongside sun protection.

https://ja.ma/4pxOWcK

06/12/2025

Trying to find out if this register extends to Jersey residents! The Jersey Skin Doctor hopes so, given the high melanoma incidence in the Channel Islands.

Help us to make MyMelanoma work for melanoma patients There are different ways in which you can help. If you have had a melanoma of the skin yourself, treated in the NHS,...

10/11/2025

The perfect example of being curious!
Sharon McLucas from the Parish of St Helier has a "Gut Instinct" that something was wrong when she noticed a change in the skin on her leg.
If in doubt get it checked out!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd9kv89wgj2o

BBC Jersey

A woman who was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma urges others to get their skin checked.

02/11/2025

Wonderful message from Dr Anthony Bewley Consultant Dermatologist, Barts Health and Jersey General Hospital on World Mental Health Day.

17/10/2025

Restart a heart day! Let’s all get the confidence to get stuck in!

What’s your favourite theme tune? Nelly the elephant or the Bee Gees- Staying alive?
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