Vitiligo carries an unfair social stigma in India. The clinical reality is more hopeful: it is one of the more treatable autoimmune skin conditions, with several evidence-based therapies that achieve significant repigmentation in most patients. This page explains how we approach vitiligo at Derma Essence — and what is realistic at every stage.
Setting expectations honestly
We will be straightforward with you: vitiligo is treatable, not curable. With consistent treatment, most patients see:
- 60 to 80 percent repigmentation in face, neck and trunk patches
- Slower / partial response in lips, fingertips, and over bony joints
- Stabilisation of active disease (no new patches) within 3 to 6 months
- Need for ongoing maintenance to prevent relapse
The two questions we answer first
Before treatment plan, we determine:
- Is the disease active or stable? Active = new patches in last 6 months, existing patches expanding. Stable = no change for 12+ months. Treatment differs significantly between the two.
- Are there autoimmune comorbidities? Thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, alopecia areata, vitamin B12/D3 deficiency. We screen and address these — they affect treatment response.
The treatment toolkit
Topical therapy (always)
Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment — calcineurin inhibitor, safe for face and folds. Mid-potency corticosteroid for body patches (rotated to avoid skin thinning). Ruxolitinib 1.5% cream for facial patches in adults and adolescents — the first JAK inhibitor approved for vitiligo, strong recent evidence.
NB-UVB phototherapy
The cornerstone of moderate-to-extensive vitiligo treatment. Narrowband UVB (311nm) cabinet exposure 2 to 3 times weekly, starting at sub-erythemal doses and increasing over weeks. Sessions are 30 seconds to 5 minutes. Excimer laser (308nm) for small targeted patches.
Oral therapy (selected patients)
Mini-pulse oral steroids for active, rapidly-progressing disease to halt new patch formation. Sometimes immunomodulators in collaboration with rheumatology. Always weighed carefully — these are not first-line.
Surgery (stable disease only)
For patients with stable, non-active vitiligo who have not responded to medical therapy. Melanocyte transfer (non-cultured cellular suspension), split-thickness grafts, or punch grafting depending on patch size and location. Excellent results for stable cases. More on vitiligo surgery.
Pricing
Vitiligo Treatment — diagnosis & therapy
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic consultation + Wood lamp examination | ₹1,500 | Includes 3-month plan |
| NB-UVB phototherapy session | ₹600 | Per session — typically 2-3x weekly |
| Excimer laser session | ₹2,500 | Targeted phototherapy for small patches |
| Topical regimen (3-month supply) | ₹3,500 | Tacrolimus + corticosteroids + ruxolitinib (where appropriate) |
| Melanocyte transfer surgery (per session) | ₹35,000 | For stable, non-active vitiligo — see Vitiligo Surgery page |
NB-UVB courses are typically 30 to 60 sessions across 3 to 6 months. Cost depends on disease extent.
Daily skincare while on treatment
- SPF 50 daily, even indoors. Sunburn can trigger new patches (Koebner phenomenon). Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.
- Avoid trauma — tight clothing, scratching, deep waxing. Trauma sites can develop new patches.
- Manage stress — strong evidence that severe stress can trigger flares. Sleep, exercise, mental health support all matter.
- Adequate vitamin D and B12 — many vitiligo patients are deficient. Test, supplement, repeat.
The emotional side
Visible vitiligo is hard. Patches on hands, face, and lips affect confidence — particularly in Indian social contexts. We treat the medical side; we also strongly recommend a few things alongside:
- Camouflage makeup (Dermablend, Vitiliderm) for events while treatment progresses
- Counselling support if vitiligo is affecting mental health (very common, no shame in seeking it)
- Connecting with other patients — vitiligo support communities exist online and locally
Vitiligo treatment is a partnership. Consistent on your side (sessions, topicals, sun protection); evidence-led on ours. Book a consultation for a personalised assessment and 3-month plan.
