Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis (IGH) is a common skin disorder which
medical
isseen far more frequently in middle-aged and light skinned females than males. It is also known as “Leukopathia symmetrica progressiva”. It is a benign, harmless condition of depigmentation.
Just like other skin diseases, also in this disease white macules are formed. These macules are small in size ranging from 2 to 5mm, and may be flat, discrete, mild scaly, circular or oval in shape. These macules mostly occur on the body parts that are exposed to sunlight. Usually, they first appear on the front of legs below the knees and then on forearms but they also affect shoulders, chest and face and upper part of the back.
The cause of IGH is speculative. However, it is caused due to the defect of epidermal melanin, reduced no. of melanocytes or in some cases melanocytes (skin cells) fail to produce melanin pigment. In this way overall thickness of skin is also become condensed. Hence, results in Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis. So, depigmentation of guttate hypomelanosis is also important so that it may not be mistaken for Vitiligo which occurs as a result of abnormal pigmentation.
Although, the exact cause of IGM is not known but it has been experienced that UV light also plays an important role. It is thought to be that it also depends upon aging process. In some cases, this disorder seems to be run in families with genetic tendency.
The treatment of IGA is very difficult as it may sometimes leave a residue which may cause a severe problem than the original. So, only in the cases of cosmetic or emotional reasons, treatment may be necessary. Precautionary measures may be helpful to lessen this disorder just like the protection from sun is important because exposure to sunlight is a causative factor for IGM.
Generally, Camouflage make-up can be used to cover the lesions. Following factors can also be introduced to find out the solution:-
• Surgical and semi-surgical correction
• Topical Steroids
• Topical Retinoid
• Minigrafting
• Cryotherapy
• Tretinoin Cream
• Dermabrasion etc.
People With Vitiligo