On the pathogenesis of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis

Non‐ablative fractional photothermolysis in treatment of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis

“…In addition, abnormal melanocytes with fragmented or no dendrites that contain fewer melanosomes are demonstrated. 2,3,15 The underlying mechanism of hypopigmentation observed is believed to be a reduction in number of melanocytes and the presence of dysfunctional ones. 2 Fractional photothermolysis has been reported to induce repigmentation in various conditions such as acne scar, hypopigmented scars as well as vitiligo.…”

Disorders of Hypopigmentation and Depigmentation

“…Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) is a very common, acquired leukoderma that occurs in all races and skin types, but is very apparent in persons of color [ 1 ] . The number of lesions increases with age and may be seen in up to 80% of patients over the age of 70 years [ 2 ] . An apparent female predominance is possibly the result of heightened cosmetic concern.…”

“…Falabella et al [ 2 ] described the treatment of IGH with skin grafts and intralesional triamcinolone with limited success. The follow-up evaluations did not extend beyond 6 months.…”

“…It is very effective as monotherapy [ 89,92 ] , with starting doses varying from 75 to 200 mJ/cm 2 . If the patient tolerates treatment, with no burning or peeling of skin, the dose is increased by 10-20% at each treatment until asymptomatic erythema is achieved.…”

Hypomelanosis guttata idiopathica

“…Auch der fehlender Pigmentverlust der Haarschäfte intralä-sional und der Nachweis von HMB-45-positiven Melanozyten in den Haarbulbi spricht, aufgrund der fehlenden Beeinflußbarkeit dieser Strukturen durch UV-Licht, für eine aktinische Genese. Darüber hinaus konnten Falabella et al zeigen, daß Minitransplantate HGI-befallener Haut nach Autotransplantation in unbefallene Areale zu einer zentripetalen Depigmentierung auch der gesunden Haut führten [7]. Dieser Befund läßt einen aktiven Depigmentierungsfaktor in den Leukodermen von Patienten mit HGI vermuten.…”