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

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Compare our service to other similar practices

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Overall doctor performance

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4.89%
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The doctor listened to you attentively

excellent
93.9%
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The doctor took time to answer your questions

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1.27%
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The doctor explained treatment options

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The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
92.0%
very good
5.69%
good
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poor
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Front desk performance

excellent
85.6%
very good
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good
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poor
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very poor
0.08%

Aesthetician performance

excellent
88.6%
very good
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Office comfort

excellent
90.9%
very good
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Parking

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0.9%

Friendliness of the staff during appointment

excellent
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What WE DID WELL

(Answers:674)

Dr. Heckman gave me a lot of information and listened and answered all of my questions.

#12011-11-17 15:30:47

The waiting time for the appointment and in the office was very quick!!!

#22025-01-21

I ejoyed the beauty of the office-a nice place to be. I was anxious to meet the Dr.-and I found her to be great-very thouough,friendly and professional

#32024-10-06

Timeliness and attention.

#42024-09-12

I am very impressed with Dr. Ringpfeil. She took the time to answer all my questions. I never felt rushed. I would recommend her to everyone I know.

#52025-04-14

the stafff and doctor were extremely friendly

#62025-05-12

Technologically advanced office made it much easier to register all information as a new patient.

#72024-06-14

ENVIRONMENTALLY CONVENIENT AND EVERYONE WAS EXTREMELY FRIENDLY. ALSO IMPORTANT WAS YOU SERVE YOUR PATIENTS RIGHT ON TIME WITH NO DELAYS WHICH IS ALWAYS A PLUS!

#82012-06-14 10:23:51

The prfessionalism of the staff and the attentiveness of the physician. Also the timliness of the staff.

#92011-01-26 08:55:26

Everyone was very nice!

#102025-05-17

What can we do better?

(answers:373)

Nothing - excellent.

#12011-01-25 12:57:52

Nothing missing.

#22025-03-31

While I totally understand the late policy, unfortunately my daughter and I drove 1.5 hrs to the facility and given the weather and errorous directions, we ended up being 7 mins late. I immediately called the office while on route to explain that we were lost and sought correct directions. The receptionist was very curt, short and condesending. Upon our arrival, there was no warm greeting and very limited eye contact. Again,as a heath care provider myself, I appreciate the need to follow a schedule, however, our appointments were in direct succession and I do not think it would have had a significant impact on the work schedule, given our special circumstance.

#32011-03-24 10:10:11

THANK YOU!

#42025-05-01

can't think of anything.

#52025-02-05

don't change a thing!

#62025-03-26

Cookies and Milk! Seriously, I love coming in and being seen promptly. More importantly, I like the fact that the doctor was not distracted and there was not a single interruption.

#72024-06-23

I was dissapointed when my appointment was cancelled because of the snow. I had to wait 6 weeks to get another appointment. I wish that I could have been worked in sooner.

#82011-03-11 14:29:03

More upbeat music! The warm temperature and the John Mayer-esque music made me feel as if it were bedtime =)

#92011-09-16 11:42:32

A follow up, even if its an email, after the apt. could help!

#102010-08-23 16:38:55

Customer Rating : 4.7

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