"I have suffered with vitiligo for several years. Every doctor I visited essentially said that there wasn't much that could be done. I was 'surfing the internet' and came across your website. The vitiligo page looked very interesting so I made an appointment for a consultation. You were informative and honest, indicating that, using a combination of narrow-band UVB phototherapy and other topical treatments, about 75% of patients see improvement. Well, I was in the lucky group who improved! After just 12 light treatments I started seeing color return and after 38 treatments, my condition had almost completely resolved! It's like a mini-miracle! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Dr. Crutchfield". - Donna P. St. Paul.

Charles E. Crutchfield III, M.D. is a graduate of the Mayo Clinic Medical School. Dr. Crutchfield is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Dr. Crutchfield conducts active psoriasis research (he has a Master's Degree in Molecular Biology) and has recently received a United States Patent on one his psoriasis treatment medications. Dr. Crutchfield lectures locally and nationally on the treatment of psoriasis. When other medical students, dermatology residents and physicians learn about psoriasis, they are often learning it from Dr. Crutchfield. Dr. Crutchfield also treats many physicians and nurses with psoriasis. When other Twin Cities' healthcare providers need psoriasis treatment, they often choose Dr. Crutchfield. We are happy to share that Dr. Crutchfield is recognized in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine "Top Doctor" issue for 2004-2005. Now that you know a little bit about Dr. Crutchfield we invite you to take a look at our results. Below are pictures of just a few of the many happy patients we have treated at Crutchfield Dermatology.

Vitiligo Treatment
Vitiligo (vit-ill-EYE-go) is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) in the skin, the mucous membranes (tissues that line the inside of the mouth and nose and genital and rectal areas), and the retina (inner layer of the eyeball) are destroyed. As a result, white patches of skin appear on different parts of the body. The hair that grows in areas affected by vitiligo usually turns white.

The cause of vitiligo is not known, but doctors and researchers have several different theories. One theory is that people develop antibodies that destroy the melanocytes in their own bodies. Another theory is that melanocytes destroy themselves. Finally, some people have reported that a single event such as sunburn or emotional distress triggered vitiligo; however, these events have not been scientifically proven to cause vitiligo.

About 1 to 2 percent of the world's population, or 40 to 50 million people, have vitiligo. In the United States, 2 to 5 million people have the disorder. Ninety-five percent of people who have vitiligo develop it before their 40th birthday. The disorder affects individuals of all ethnic origins and both sexes. Loss of pigment most commonly is noted first on the hands, feet, arms, face or lips. Frequently this disease is progressive.

The primary goal of therapy is to restore the skin's color by restoring melanocytes to the skin. Repigmentation of the skin with melanocytes allows the skin to regain its normal immune/inflammatory functions and improves the appearance of those suffering from this disease.

At Crutchfield Dermatology we take a great deal of pride in our very effective vitiligo treatments. Dr. Crutchfield is a board certified dermatologist, graduate of the Mayo Clinic Medical School (1994) and a Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota, who has extensive training in the treatment of vitiligo including topical medications and phototherapeutic measures (narrow band-UVB).

At Crutchfield Dermatology, we also have the most active phototherapy center for the treatment of vitiligo in the state of Minnesota, employing both full body narrow band-UVB National Biological Corporation units.

Dr. Crutchfield will carefully evaluate your condition and design a custom vitiligo treatment program that is just right for you.. Most of our patients see improvement in 1-2 months after beginning therapy.

For additional helpful information on this topic Dr. Crutchfield recommends these helpful links:

Dr. Crutchfield's Newspaper Article on the Treatment of of Psoriasis, Vitiligo and Atopic Dermatitis using Phototherapy



Vitiligo Articles & Links:

7 Vitiligo Questions

Vitiligo Symptoms
Vitiligo FAQs
National Vitiligo Foundation

Patient Testimonial

Our little guy had white spots all over his skin and we didn't know what they were. It started around age two. Then he broke his leg and it got worse. We had our physician get in contact with Dr. Crutchfield and he said it was vitiligo. He said we could do topical and light treatments, but we live way down in southwest Minnesota and it would have been hard to get to his clinic. He was so gracious and allowed us to see if we could find anything closer, and we found a place where we could do that and we had great results. He was just amazing dealing with our doctor, and amazing dealing with our son as a little guy, explaining everything to him. We were very thankful because no one else could really help us.

Karla H.

Thanks so much for the info on Vitiligo in your newsletter. My son has been going to light therapy treatments 3 x/week for close to a year and a half. It's amazing what a difference it has made both physically and emotionally for him. I appreciate the info your newsletter provides.

Ronna C.
St. Paul

"I have seen Dr. Crutchfield throughout the years for various cosmetic reasons, but I also have a skin condition called vitiligo where the skin starts to depigment. I'm a caucasian female, but it has been getting progressively worse, and I was mostly concerned about its presence on my face. We started a course of topical steroids and I have been going three times a week for photo light therapy, and now I'm down to two times a week. I am just absolutely delighted with the outcome so far. My friends and family have all remarked on how fabulous my skin looks. I am just thrilled - it really has worked for me."

Lisa Tobin

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