What causes Hypomelanosis?
The exact cause of hypomelanosis of Ito is unknown. Many cases are associated with genetic mosaicism and sporadic gene mutations. Genetic mosaicism is the term for individuals who have two distinct cell lines in the body that developed because of a gene mutation that occurred during embryonic development.
Is post inflammatory hypopigmentation permanent?
Most cases of postinflammatory hypopigmentation improve spontaneously within weeks or months if the primary cause is ceased; however, it can be permanent if there is complete destruction of melanocytes.
What is the difference between depigmentation and hypopigmentation?
While a decreased pigment production is reported as hypopigmentation, depigmentation has been defined as loss of pigment. In a similar way, partial lack of melanin is known as hypomelanosis while amelanosis is the total absence of melanin.
Is hypopigmentation the same as vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a common skin disease characterized by the presence of well circumscribed, depigmented milky white macules devoid of identifiable melanocytes. On the other hand, hypopigmented mycosis fungoides (MF) is a rare variant of MF which presents clinically as persistent hypopigmented macules and patches.
Is Hypomelanosis curable?
IGH is a benign condition with an excellent prognosis; however, once present, lesions do not remit without treatment.
Can you fix hypopigmentation?
Hypopigmentation is a condition in which the skin is lighter in color than normal. Treating hypopigmentation may involve the use of topical corticosteroids or tars, light or laser treatment, or surgical skin grafting. Melanin is the substance that gives skin its color or pigment.
Does Hypomelanosis go away?
Post inflammatory hypopigmentation is a temporary problem. As long as the underlying skin problem can be controlled and no new bumps develop, the lighter areas will slowly go away. It is important to realize that this is not a permanent lightening of the skin but it resolves slowly.
How do you get rid of Hypomelanosis?
Treatment options may include:
- dermabrasion.
- chemical peels.
- laser resurfacing or therapy.
- lightening gels, such as hydroquinone (Blanche)
What kind of skin change does hypomelanosis of Ito cause?
Hypomelanosis of Ito is a rare condition characterized by distinctive skin changes, in which areas of the body lack skin color (hypopigmentation).
What does hypomelanosis of the upper arm look like?
Hypomelanosis of Ito (Concept Id: C0022283) A large brown, blue, or gray hamartoma of dermal melanocytes, usually on the shoulder and upper arm that is most commonly found in Asian populations and in females. It is sometimes associated with sensory changes in the involved skin area, but very rarely becomes cancerous.
Where are the macules located in hypomelanosis?
Progressive macular hypomelanosis (PMH) is an idiopathic skin disorder characterized by hypopigmented macules predominantly located on the trunk without scales or any history of skin problems, more common in tropical and subtropical regions.
What is the medical term for macular hypomelanosis?
Progressive macular hypomelanosis (PMH) is an uncommon skin disorder characterized by ill-defined nummular, non-scaly hypopigmented confluent macules on the trunk, often in and around the midline, and rarely extending to the proximal extremities and neck/head region.