Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis refers to small, flat, smooth, white or off-white spots that measure just 2 to 5 millimeters in diameter—about the size of a pinhead or a pencil tip. The term itself breaks down like this:
- Idiopathic: Of unknown cause (though we now have strong theories)
- Guttate: Meaning “drop-like” in shape
- Hypomelanosis: A reduction in melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color
These spots are not raised, scaly, itchy, or painful. They simply lack pigment in localized areas, making them appear lighter than the surrounding skin. While they’re most commonly seen on sun-exposed areas—particularly the forearms, shins, lower legs, and sometimes the face or shoulders—they rarely appear on the torso or areas shielded from the sun.
IGH can affect people of all skin tones and ethnic backgrounds, though they tend to be more visible on individuals with medium to darker complexions, where the contrast between pigmented and depigmented skin is more pronounced.
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