Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis is the name given to 2 to 5-mm flat ‘’’white spots’’’ found on the shins and forearms. ‘Idiopathic’ means the cause is unknown, ‘guttate’ means resembling tear-drops, and ‘hypomelanosis’ refers to the lighter colour of the affected areas.

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis
Other namesLeukopathia symmetrica progressiva
SpecialtyDermatology 

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, also known as “white sun-spots”, is a very common acquired disorder that affects women more frequently than men, presenting with skin lesions that occur chiefly on sun exposed regions of the skin, suggesting sun exposure may play a role.[1]:860

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis predominantly affects fair-skinned individuals, but it may occasionally arise in darker skin. Although most often found on the shins and sun-exposed parts of the forearms, guttate hypomelanosis may also arise on other sun-exposed areas including the face, neck and shoulders. The white marks are usually smooth with a reduction in the normal skin markings, but they may be slightly scaly.

Guttate hypomelanosis appears as part of the ageing process, becoming quite common in those over 40 years of age. They are more common in women than in men. Inherited factors may be relevant as the lesions appear to be more common in family members.

See also

References
  1. James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology (10th ed.). Saunders. ISBN 978-0-7216-2921-6.
Classification
External resources


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