Controversial skin treatment cream could be approved in the UK

A questionable cream that is used to treat the skin condition vitiligo could be approved in the UK despite its serious side effects.

Ruxolitinib – a cream that helps restore pigment to the skin – could soon be offered on the NHS, however experts warn it does carry potentially serious side effects and would therefore need close monitoring by GPs.

The treatment can affect the body’s immune system, which might leave some patients more prone to infections. A stronger pill formulation of the same drug which is used in the cream is already used to treat some cancers, implying it is incredibly powerful.

Trials of the cream have also discovered some users may develop acene and redness in the area it is applied. However, when testing the product, experts found it was effective for treating nonsegmental vitiligo – the most common type – where patches of depigmentation appear on both sides of the body.

Around half of the people who used the treatment twice a day experienced a significant improvement, and an estimated one in six had almost a complete repigmentation within three months.

In America, where the treatment is already available, a single tube costs around $2,000 and European experts look to set to approve its use in people aged 12 and over. Ruxlitinib would need to be approved by the drug regulator, the MHRA, to be sold or prescribed in the UK.

According to the NHS, vitiligo is a long-term condition where pale white patches develop on the skin – usually around the eyes or mouth. It is caused by the lack of melanin, which is the pigment in skin.

Experts say living with vitiligo can cause serious psychological repercussions such as anxiety, depression low self-esteem and even suicidal thoughts.

Dr Viktoria Eleftheriadou, from the British Association of Dermatologists, told the BBC some people with the condition may feel as though they have thought their ethnic identity.

Dr Eleftheriadou said: ‘The risk of this can be higher among people of colour, as the condition is more noticeable in people with darker skin tones.’ She adds it would be good to offer people the choice of treatment.

However, Teacher Joti Gata-Aura, who was diagnosed with the condition in her early 20s and is now aged 45 campaigns about body positivity and mentors young people to help them with their self-confidence.

Whilst speaking with the BBC, the teacher claimed in her twenties she would have done anything to try and remedy the skin condition, but after having worked hard on her self confidence has learned to love the skin she has.

Despite remaining optimistic, Ms Gata-Aura, states identity is still a big issue and that people need to make their own choices about living with vitiligo.

Photo by Mohammed Hassan