Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis (IGH)

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) is a skin condition that causes small, light-colored spots scattered across your skin. It’s noncancerous (benign) and very common.

Breaking down the name of the condition sheds more light on it:

• Idiopathic: It has an unknown cause.
• Guttate: This word means “markings that resemble drops.”
• Hypomelanosis: There’s a lack (“hypo”) of melanin — the substance that gives your skin its color.

The spots (macules) tend to appear on sun-exposed areas, like your forearms and shins. IGH affects people of all skin colors.

IGH isn’t harmful to your health. But it can change your appearance, which may affect your self-esteem. Talk to a healthcare provider if you want to get rid of the spots.

Symptoms of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis

IGH doesn’t cause any symptoms other than light spots on your skin. The spots aren’t itchy or painful.

In general, characteristics of IGH macules include:

• Color: They can be lighter in color than your surrounding skin or completely white.
• Location: Your forearms and shins are the most common locations. Less frequently, spots can appear on your face, neck or trunk. 
• Shape: Most are round or oval with irregular edges. 
• Size: They’re usually smaller than the size of a pea. But some can be as large as a quarter.
• Texture: Most often, they’re smooth. Rarely, they can be thick or scaly.

The number of macules increases with age. Some people have over 100 spots. They usually stay the same size over time.

IGH causes

A decrease in the pigment that gives your skin its color (melanin) causes idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis. But researchers don’t know why this happens. They think a combination of factors may contribute to it, like:

• Sun exposure
• Aging
• Genetics
• Tiny cuts in your skin (microtrauma), like from using body scrubs

There’s nothing you can do to prevent IGH.

How doctors diagnose this condition

A healthcare provider can typically diagnose idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis by looking at the spots on your skin. They may use a small, handheld microscope that magnifies your skin. It can help your provider tell the difference between IGH and other skin conditions.

How is it treated?

IGH doesn’t need treatment. It’s not harmful to your health. But you may choose to seek treatment if you don’t like the appearance of the light spots. There are two main medical options: topical creams or procedures.

The effectiveness of each treatment varies. But most show good outcomes. Your healthcare provider can help you understand your options and the pros and cons of each.

You may find information online about natural remedies for IGH, like apple cider vinegar, aloe vera and ginger. There aren’t any scientific studies that show these remedies work. Talk to your provider before using any natural products to treat IGH.

Topical creams

The least invasive treatments are topical creams. They may contain one of the following:

• Steroids
• Retinoids
• Immune suppressant medicines called calcineurin inhibitors

These treatments help increase the production of melanin in your skin.

Procedures

Procedures for IGH rely on your skin’s ability to heal itself. Procedures remove or damage the upper layers of your skin. As it heals, your skin produces new cells that have normal pigmentation. These procedures include:

• Chemical peel: A chemical solution removes the outer layers of skin
• Cryotherapy: A very cold liquid destroys the upper skin layers
• Dermabrasion: Outer skin layers are sanded down
• Laser treatment: Pulses of energy destroy the top layers of skin
• Microneedling: A tattoo machine injects a chemotherapy drug

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any changes in your skin. It’s important to have a healthcare professional check these changes. They can rule out more serious conditions, like vitiligo or skin cancer.