Abstract

Dr. Shone Thomas Babu*, Dr. Sharmistha Rout, Dr. P. Karkuzhali and Dr. Hemalatha Ganapathy

ABSTRACT

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) is a very common, acquired, and frequently ignored condition. The lesions of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) are commonly seen in elderly persons, characterized by an appearance of multiple, well-circumscribed, asymptomatic, polygonal, white macules symmetrically distributed on the extensor forearms and shins. Once present, skin lesions do not increase in size with time and do not coalesce. IGH occurs in all races and skin types, especially in elderly patients over the age of 70 years. IGH appears to result from an impaired synthesis of melanin, decreased size and poor melanization of melanosomes and inadequate transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes to surrounding keratinocytes. The diagnosis of IGH is usually made clinically. Despite straightforward clinical appearance of IGH in majority of cases, several additional diagnostic procedures may be needed for confirmation of diagnosis in some less clear cases.