Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences

Information for Patients

View all Images (27)

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis

Contributors: Nkem Ugonabo MD, MPH, Callyn Iwuala MD, Oyetewa Oyerinde MD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) is a common acquired condition, characterized by scattered 3- to 5-mm hypopigmented macules occurring on chronically sun-exposed skin. IGH typically occurs in middle-aged individuals with photodamage and increases in incidence with age and continued sun exposure.

While the exact cause is unknown, IGH has been hypothesized to be ultraviolet (UV) induced. Other contributing factors that have been suggested include aging, trauma, genetic factors, and autoimmunity.

While IGH occurs more commonly in lighter skin phototypes, it does occur in all skin colors, and it appears more prominent in individuals with darker skin.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L81.9 – Disorder of pigmentation, unspecified

SNOMEDCT:
1717003 – Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

Subscription Required

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Reviewed:03/18/2020
Last Updated:03/22/2021
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Patient Information for Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis
Print E-Mail Images (27)
Contributors: Medical staff writer
Premium Feature
VisualDx Patient Handouts
Available in the Elite package
  • Improve treatment compliance
  • Reduce after-hours questions
  • Increase patient engagement and satisfaction
  • Written in clear, easy-to-understand language. No confusing jargon.
  • Available in English and Spanish
  • Print out or email directly to your patient
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis
A medical illustration showing key findings of Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis : White color, Hypopigmented macules, Arms, Legs
Clinical image of Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis - imageId=2860340. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'Numerous hypopigmented macules on the leg.'
Numerous hypopigmented macules on the leg.
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.