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The FP recognized these areas of hypopigmentation as idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis. The FP told the patient that she did not have cancer and described the condition as benign and neither contagious nor dangerous. Next, she explained that the word “idiopathic” was misleading, since ultraviolet damage to melanocytes from the sun was the likely cause.
The patient was happy with the explanation but wanted to know if she would continue to get new white spots. The FP told her that more white spots were a possibility, given that she’d spent a lot of time in the sun. The FP suggested that the patient be diligent about using sunscreen to prevent further sun damage.
A variety of treatments have been used with limited success to treat this condition, including topical steroids, topical retinoids, dermabrasion, and cryotherapy.
In this case, the patient decided not to pursue any treatment options.
Photos and text for Photo Rounds Friday courtesy of Richard P. Usatine, MD. This case was adapted from: Hughes K, Usatine R. Vitiligo. In: Usatine R, Smith M, Mayeaux EJ, et al, eds. The Color Atlas of Family Medicine. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2009:849-852.
To learn more about The Color Atlas of Family Medicine, see:
• http://www.amazon.com/Color-Atlas-Family-Medicine/dp/0071474641
You can now get The Color Atlas of Family Medicine as an app for mobile devices including the iPhone and iPad by clicking this link:
The FP recognized these areas of hypopigmentation as idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis. The FP told the patient that she did not have cancer and described the condition as benign and neither contagious nor dangerous. Next, she explained that the word “idiopathic” was misleading, since ultraviolet damage to melanocytes from the sun was the likely cause.
The patient was happy with the explanation but wanted to know if she would continue to get new white spots. The FP told her that more white spots were a possibility, given that she’d spent a lot of time in the sun. The FP suggested that the patient be diligent about using sunscreen to prevent further sun damage.
A variety of treatments have been used with limited success to treat this condition, including topical steroids, topical retinoids, dermabrasion, and cryotherapy.
In this case, the patient decided not to pursue any treatment options.
Photos and text for Photo Rounds Friday courtesy of Richard P. Usatine, MD. This case was adapted from: Hughes K, Usatine R. Vitiligo. In: Usatine R, Smith M, Mayeaux EJ, et al, eds. The Color Atlas of Family Medicine. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2009:849-852.
To learn more about The Color Atlas of Family Medicine, see:
• http://www.amazon.com/Color-Atlas-Family-Medicine/dp/0071474641
You can now get The Color Atlas of Family Medicine as an app for mobile devices including the iPhone and iPad by clicking this link:
The FP recognized these areas of hypopigmentation as idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis. The FP told the patient that she did not have cancer and described the condition as benign and neither contagious nor dangerous. Next, she explained that the word “idiopathic” was misleading, since ultraviolet damage to melanocytes from the sun was the likely cause.
The patient was happy with the explanation but wanted to know if she would continue to get new white spots. The FP told her that more white spots were a possibility, given that she’d spent a lot of time in the sun. The FP suggested that the patient be diligent about using sunscreen to prevent further sun damage.
A variety of treatments have been used with limited success to treat this condition, including topical steroids, topical retinoids, dermabrasion, and cryotherapy.
In this case, the patient decided not to pursue any treatment options.
Photos and text for Photo Rounds Friday courtesy of Richard P. Usatine, MD. This case was adapted from: Hughes K, Usatine R. Vitiligo. In: Usatine R, Smith M, Mayeaux EJ, et al, eds. The Color Atlas of Family Medicine. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2009:849-852.
To learn more about The Color Atlas of Family Medicine, see:
• http://www.amazon.com/Color-Atlas-Family-Medicine/dp/0071474641
You can now get The Color Atlas of Family Medicine as an app for mobile devices including the iPhone and iPad by clicking this link: