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