Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis
Other names: Leukopathia symmetrica progressiva
Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis
SpecialtyDermatology
SymptomsMultiple small white spots on arms, legs and face[1]
Usual onsetAge over 40 years[1]
CausesAgeing, photoaging, UV phototherapy, repeated micro-trauma[2]
Risk factorsHarmless[2]
FrequencyFemales=males[1]

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis is characterised by multiple irregular, small whitish flat spots.[1] They are generally well defined, and usually range from 2mm to 5mm in diameter.[1] They are frequently found on the arms, legs and face of older people.[1]

Ageing, photoaging, UV phototherapy and repeated minor injuries may play a role in its development.[2] The condition may run in families.[3]

Diagnosis is by its appearance.[1] Under the microscope, there is a thin epidermis with many underactive pigment producing cells.[1] The spots are harmless.[2] Generally no treatment is required.[3] The appearance may improve with applying phenol, cryotherapy, carbon dioxide laser and calcineurin inhibitors.[1]

The condition is common and typically occurs after age 40.[1] Up to 80% of over 70-year olds have it.[2] More than 90% of people from Korea have it.[1] Females may notice them at a younger age than males.[3]

Signs and symptoms

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis is characterised by multiple irregular well defined small white spots typically on the arms, legs and face of older people.[1] Each spot is around 2mm to 5mm in diameter.[1] There may be just a few or many, but usually around 20 to 30.[1]

  • Polarised view of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis
  • Macro photo of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis

Treatment

Generally no treatment is required.[3] The appearance may improve with applying phenol, cryotherapy, carbon dioxide laser and calcineurin inhibitors.[1]


See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 James, William D.; Elston, Dirk; Treat, James R.; Rosenbach, Misha A.; Neuhaus, Isaac (2020). "36. Disturbances of pigmentation". Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology (13th ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier. pp. 870–871. ISBN 978-0-323-54753-6. Archived from the original on 2022-04-23. Retrieved 2022-04-22.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Brown, Falon; Crane, Jonathan S. (2022). "Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis". StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. PMID 29489254. Archived from the original on 2022-04-23. Retrieved 2022-04-22.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis". Primary Care Dermatology Society. Primary Care Dermatology Society. Archived from the original on 11 January 2020. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
Classification
External resources


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