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Written by Dr. Ringpfeil

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a disease manifested by loss of pigment in the skin. It is an acquired disorder that often runs in families. It is characterized by depigmentation or total lack of melanin pigment. It can occur in small localized areas or be widespread. Fifty percent of individuals develop the disease before the age of 20 and 25% develop the disease before the age of 10. The cause is unknown but is believed to autoimmune in nature. It is more commonly seen in individuals with endocrine disorders such as thyroid disease.

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis can be made clinically in the presence of well demarcated areas of depigmentation found symmetrically over boney prominences such as the knees or around body orifices such as the mouth, eyes and perianal or periurethral area. When the diagnosis is unclear, a skin biopsy may need to be done.

MANAGEMENT

Patients with vitiligo must be advised to follow strict sun protection. The areas of skin affected by vitiligo cannot tan and will burn with sun exposure. Sunburns raise the risk of skin cancer. Also, when normal surrounding skin is tan the loss of pigment is more noticeable. Also, since vitiligo can be associated with endocrine disorders such as thyroid disease, blood tests to rule out an underlying disorder may need to be performed.

TREATMENT AND MEDICATION

Treatment options are influenced by the amount of skin involved and the location. Often a trial of treatment with a topical corticosteroid is the initial treatment choice. Topical immunomodulators such as Protopic Ointment or Elidel Cream have also been shown to be effective and are more appropriate for extended use on delicate areas. A series of narrowband ultraviolet light treatments (NB-UVB) have also been found to be very effective. The excimer laser delivers NB-UVB directly to specific skin areas without affecting normal surrounding skin. Ringpfeil Advanced Dermatology has an excimer laser and is proud to be able to offer excimer laser treatment to our patients. Excimer has come to be preferred over older light treatment modalities such as PUVA (psoralens plus ultraviolet A). The advantage of excimer over PUVA is shorter treatment times, decreased risk of phototoxic reactions, and the ability to use excimer in children, pregnant women and in individuals with kidney or liver disease since no oral medication is utilized. In cases where depigmentation due to vitiligo is very extensive, permanently removing all remaining pigment can be offered for cosmetic reasons.

COPING

For individuals who are self-conscious about vitiligo involving visible areas such as the face and hands, cosmetic products under the brand names of Covermark or Dermablend are available for camouflage. The National Vitiligo Foundation is an organization that can be a resource for educational materials and support groups.

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SKIN

# of surveys: 4187
Last updated: 1/02/2024 11:10 AM

PATIENT RATINGS

Would you recommend us?

definitely
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probably
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maybe
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not likely
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no
0.02%

Compare our service to other similar practices

excellent
87.9%
very good
10.1%
good
1.8%
poor
0.06%
very poor
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Overall doctor performance

excellent
94.2%
very good
4.89%
good
0.80%
poor
0.03%
very poor
0%

The doctor listened to you attentively

excellent
93.9%
very good
4.97%
good
1.05%
poor
0.05%
very poor
0%

The doctor took time to answer your questions

excellent
94.0%
very good
4.66%
good
1.27%
poor
0.02%
very poor
0%

The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
94.3%
very good
4.16%
good
1.25%
poor
0.14%
very poor
0.02%

The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
92.0%
very good
5.69%
good
2.18%
poor
0.11%
very poor
0.0%

Front desk performance

excellent
85.6%
very good
10.2%
good
3.66%
poor
0.31%
very poor
0.08%

Aesthetician performance

excellent
88.6%
very good
7.61%
good
3.39%
poor
0.24%
very poor
0.08%

Office comfort

excellent
90.9%
very good
6.93%
good
2.08%
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Parking

excellent
66.4%
very good
14.4%
good
15.7%
poor
2.49%
very poor
0.9%

Friendliness of the staff during appointment

excellent
90.9%
very good
7.23%
good
1.85%
poor
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What WE DID WELL

(Answers:674)

The time the Doctor spent talking to me about my problem. She did not rush.

#12011-12-15 12:54:52

The doctor and medical assistant took time to explain all of my treatment options and to answer all of my questions completely and honestly.

#22025-05-25

The entire staff was extremely pleasant and I appreciate being able to see the doctor on such short notice. Everything was top notch!

#32024-09-04

Everyone was extremely friendly. Doctor was fantastic. Would highly recommend.

#42025-02-24

Very knowledgeable and good at explaining the condition.

#52024-10-23

The staff was knowlegable in answering any additional questions I may have

#62025-04-27

everyone seemed genuinely friendly.

#72025-03-30

Just enjoyed everyone here at the practice. Medical excellece based on intelligence rather than ego (did I really say that)!

#82012-10-25 11:48:39

VERY efficient.I loved that.

#92011-05-09 10:24:13

Linda was very thorough and took time with me rather than rush me like she couldn't wait to get to the next patient. I've had that experience before so I appreciated that.

#102011-06-02 14:59:00

What can we do better?

(answers:373)

Can't think of a thing

#12024-12-05

Everything was great! No further suggestion at this time.

#22025-03-02

Be on time for our appointments

#32011-11-16 13:56:14

Just continue to be as thorough and caring as my experience today. Quite like a breath of fresh air!

#42025-04-03

My only complaint is that I work and live (1 mile from) Center City, PA and I wish the office (Dr. Ringpfield) had weekend or later hours. Dr. Heckman was great but she cannot assist me with my cosmetic issues. Overall - like the office and professionalism.

#52011-08-10 18:44:27

Can't imagine any better first impression.

#62011-02-24 14:49:37

The music in the waiting area could be a bit softer.

#72024-11-12

Just keep up the good work!

#82024-12-03

The service was great I don't see anything better u can do!

#92024-09-08

Its hard to find anything that you guys didn't do correct. Keep up the good work

#102011-08-03 11:52:57

Customer Rating : 4.7

Based on 637 ratings
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