Hypomelanosis: why white spots appear on the skin

Everyone knows that the sun's rays that fall on unprotected skin – this is a direct threat to the body. Ultraviolet provokes the development of pathological processes in the skin, which to a large extent can cause harm. Insolation and ultraviolet rays can provoke such a problem as hypomelanosis – the appearance of white spots on the skin.

The disease is characterized by impaired formation of melanin pigment in the skin and is a pronounced aesthetic defect. Today on estet-portal.com read about why hypomelanosis occurs and how it is effectively treated.

Causes and treatments for hypomelanosis

Hypomelanosis mainly develops in fair-skinned women over 30 who are exposed to sunlight frequently and for a long time. As a rule, the appearance of spots begins on the inner surface of the legs, then on the forearms, shoulders, in the décolleté.

Spots can look like a few single light areas of the skin of a clearly defined shape, as well as multiple small dotted spots – hence the name teardrop hypomelanosis.

Histologically, in areas of hypopigmentation, a significant decrease or complete absence of melanocytes.

Hypomelanosis:

• causes of hypomelanosis: why white spots appear on the skin;
• symptoms of hypomelanosis: clinical picture of pathology;
• Peculiarities of treatment of hypomelanosis: an effective treatment regimen.

Causes of hypomelanosis: why white spots appear on the skin

The main cause of the disease must be sought in the human genetic apparatus. There is a connection between the development of hypomelanosis in parents and their children – hereditary nature of skin pigmentation disorders. The disease is inherited in a recessive manner, and carriers of the hypomelanosis gene can be identified by white spots on the skin, freckles and areas of gray hair on the head that have clear boundaries.

The formation of spots on new areas of the skin and the progression of hypopigmentation on already affected areas is provoked by excessive sun exposure.

Symptoms of hypomelanosis: clinical picture of pathology

Hypomelanosis – it is a genetic pathology, which is characterized by a violation of the production of melanin pigment . The first symptoms of the disease can be observed already from the birth of a child, however, the pathology can progress at a later age.  The clinical picture of the disease is characterized by the formation of white areas on the skin, which have clear boundaries and differ in their shade from the rest of the skin.

The size and number of spots in hypomelanosis can be completely different and tend to increase over time.

Peculiarities of treatment of hypomelanosis: an effective treatment regimen

Hypomelanosis – this is a pathology that spreads at the genetic level, so there is currently no pathogenetic treatment for the disease. Symptomatic therapy is applied:

1. Correct and active sun protection
2. Clothing covering exposed skin
3. Corticosteroid ointments are also used topically
4. Retinoids: topical and systemic use
5. Elidel 1% cream 2p/day – until reduction or complete disappearance of hypopigmentation.

The development of hypomelanosis provokes excessive insolation, so the best prevention of pathology – Avoid exposure to direct sunlight on unprotected skin.

Read more articles on skin diseases on estet-portal.com in the "Dermatology" section. Thank you for staying with us!