Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis
| Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis | |
|---|---|
| Other names: Leukopathia symmetrica progressiva | |
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| Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis | |
 | |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
| Symptoms | Multiple small white spots on arms, legs and face[1] |
| Usual onset | Age over 40 years[1] |
| Causes | Ageing, photoaging, UV phototherapy, repeated micro-trauma[2] |
| Risk factors | Harmless[2] |
| Frequency | Females=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
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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
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 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.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 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.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis". Primary Care Dermatology Society. Primary Care Dermatology Society. Archived from the original on 11 January 2020. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
External links
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External links
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