IDIOPATHIC GUTTATE HYPOMELANOSIS (IGH )
Serving Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Grimsby and surrounding areas.
Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis (IGH)
- Appears as bright white 2 mm to 6 mm spots in sun exposed areas
- Literally means "white raindrops of unknown cause"
- Is thought to be due to death of skin pigment cells from excess sun exposure over several decades
- Is not contagious
- Is not the same as vitiligo
- Very rarely affects the face
- Is not a fungus
- Is not due to diet
- Is not skin cancer and does not develop into skin cancer
Treatment:
- There is no effective treatment
- Use of sunscreen may slow the development of new lesions.
- There have been reports of topical vitamin A acid cream being used as treatment, but results are usually disappointing.
- Cosmetic cover-up products may help to make the lesions less visible.
Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis - Chest