Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis

White bumps on skin, lips, fingernails, teeth, tonsils and genitalia > Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis > Causes - symptoms - diagnosis > Treatment Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis are acquired white spots of hypopigmentation on the skin usually on shins and forearms.

The name of this disorder is self-explaining about the problem.

The reason for these white spots is not clearly known (Idiopathic).

The spots (macules) are 'drops' like (guttate), small in size (2-5 mm) and hypopigmented (hypomelanosis).

In some cases lesions measuring up to 10 mm diameter have been observed.

The causes for these white spots is not completely investigated and it is believed that sun exposure causes it.

It is further believed that the UV range of the sunlight could be the culprit.

These tiny white spots are usually formed on the forearms and shin regions of the body which are usually exposed more to sunlight.

They may also form on the other exposed parts of the body like shoulders, neck and face.

These white spots have been found to affect far more women than men.

Fair skinned people are found to be affected more frequently and at a younger age.

This disorder usually begins around the age of 30 years and it is also believed to be the part of the aging process.

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis on forearm

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, typically develops on the legs, more particularly on the shins of the fair-skinned women in their early thirties.

Later idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis slowly progresses to cover forearms, shoulders and neck.

A familial (genetic) acquirement of these idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis white spots has been noted, requiring further research in this aspect.

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Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis white spots - treatment

White spots on skin, lips, fingernails, teeth, tonsils and genitalia > Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis > Causes - symptoms - diagnosis > Treatment - medication
Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis treatment includes application of topical steroids or retinoids, dermabrasion or microdermabrasion, cryotherapy, cosmetic cover-up, surgery and grafting. As the white spots are completely harmless best way for this hypomelanosis is to cover them up with cosmetics and forget.

Even if treatment is carried out fresh white spots may keep appearing at new areas.
For individuals conscious about aesthetic appearance cure is available.

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis treatment with retinoids

Retinoids like tretinoin have been used with some success in removing guttate hypomelanosis.
Tretinoin is the acidic form of vitamin A and it should be used with caution by people with sensitive skin as it can cause redness, burning and itching.
To avoid these problems the frequency of application must be increased slowly.
Tretinoin applied hypomelanosis lesions can get severe sunburn and exposure of these areas to sunlight must be avoided.
Topical corticosteroids have been found to alleviate the white spots condition to some extent.

Dermabrasion or microdermabrasion for idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis

Dermabrasion or microdermabrasion may also be considered in the treatment of this disorder.
These procedures must be done by a trained Aesthetician or a dermatologist as improper therapy may leave greater scar marks.
Dermabrasion is a painful process to be done under general or light anesthesia. Microdermabrasion is not very painful and can be done at cosmetic spas.

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis treatment by cryotherapy and surgery

Cryosurgery or cryotherapy also have been tried successfully. In this method of therapy white spots are frozen resulting in the death of thin layer of skin at the affected area.
Soon the normal skin takes over and cover-up the dead skin and the white spots disappear.
Surgical removal of the affected skin and grafting of the healthy skin has been successful.
Although these procedures may remove the current hypomelanosis, there is no treatment to stop fresh lesions from appearing. Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis on leg
Hence it is advised to tackle the root cause. Sun tanning and tanning beds may be avoided by young fair-skinned individuals, especially young women, to prevent possible idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis white spots at a later life.