What causes the small white spots on the skin?

The reason is a lack of melamine in your skin cells. They can come for various reasons, but in this guide I will write about what is called Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis.

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis is a condition that leaves white patches on your skin, but luckily there are some ways to reduce its appearance.

Our Crown Princess has the same disorder, so you are actually a bit royal. If you google the name and crown princess, you will see more pictures. It doesn't hurt to be a little royal.

Why do I get white freckles?
Yes, that's right, they just look like little white freckles. And it is also one of the benchmarks we use when making the diagnosis.

What are the white spots on the skin?

In this article I write about Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis. There are also other causes of white spots, but they are not similar to the ones I am writing about here. Vitiligo is larger than freckles and often in patches. Lichen Sclerosus is often in the reproductive organs and often causes ulcers. Fungal disorders are often not spread like freckles.

What causes the white spots on the skin?
The disorder IGH is probably multifactorial - that is, there are several factors that come into play:
- Aging of the skin
- Chronic sun exposure
- Genetic factors
- Other: Trauma, autoimmune factors etc.

Who gets idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis?

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis can affect both sexes, all races and all skin types. Light skin is, however, more exposed than dark skin, but it is seen more on dark skin than on light.

The figures for attacks are based on skin that has been exposed to strong sun. People who live in tropical areas, people who use tanning beds or over-sunbathing.

Why do I get more and more white spots on my skin?
Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis becomes more common with age, affecting under 50% aged 31-40, 50-80% who are over 40 and 90% aged 81-90. It is rare in children and teenagers.

It is hereditary, but only if the skin is exposed to strong sun.

It's like any other sun damage. What you see in the skin today is the damage that the skin was exposed to years ago. It will only get worse and worse if you don't start protection and treatment.

What are the clinical features of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis?
Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis typically presents as smooth, pale (hypopigmented) or white (depigmented) macules 2-5 mm (range up to 1.5 cm) in diameter. It is mostly seen on the sun-exposed aspects of the forearms, shins and the V of the chest. Lesions are usually multiple and asymptomatic.

They can occur alone, in clusters or scattered as white freckles. They can appear anywhere on the body, but since the skin on the face is often treated better than the skin on the arms and legs, this is where they are most often seen.

How are my white spots diagnosed as idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis?

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis is usually a clinical diagnosis. Skin biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions. It is important to rule out vitiligo as this skin condition cannot be treated. Many simply look for pictures online and rule out other skin conditions.

If your dermatologist tells you that the white spots on your skin are due to idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH), then you can be sure that they are not harmful. However, you may not like the way they look on your legs, face or other exposed areas.

What is the treatment for idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis?

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis usually does not require treatment except for reassurance of the benign nature of the condition. It is always a good idea to ask your doctor for advice - also with regard to treatment. Sun protection is recommended as a matter of course, as today we can prove that it is sun damage that gives you these white spots on the skin.

A-retinoid as a cell renewer is a form of treatment that can work over a period of 3-4 months.

How do I remove the small white spots from my skin? IGH is harmless, so it is for the visual effect that you should choose a treatment. The following forms of treatment are currently available:
- Cryotherapy – it is done by your doctor and is a cooling of the spot.
- Steroid cream is also an option. You can also get one from your doctor.
- Laser: There are certain types of laser that can restore pigmentation.

A-retinoid from Raz Skincare which is applied every night for a period of 3-4 months.

It is really important that you remember to apply sunscreen to the area every single day during the period you are being treated. In some cases, side effects such as hyperpigmentation are seen after treatment with steroid cream if you forget SPF during the day.

Use sunscreen every day. The exact causes of IGH are still not fully known, but dermatological experts agree that prolonged sun exposure is an important factor in almost all cases. To reduce your exposure to the sun's UV rays, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your exposed skin every time you go outside - even on cloudy days.

Why do I get small white freckles on my skin in the summer?
IGH spots almost always occur in areas that are regularly exposed to the sun's UV rays - such as the lower legs, arms, face and neck. Today we don't quite know what happens to the skin, but we do know that the sun is an accomplice. It's not sun you cultivated yesterday, but sun you cultivated years ago. It may well get worse with age if you do not start protection.

How do I avoid small white spots on the skin?

Cover exposed skin. In addition to using sunscreen when you go outdoors, it's also a good idea to wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your head, face and eyes. Also consider wearing long sleeves and pants on sunny days. REMEMBER SPF30 as a minimum on all skin exposed to sunlight - also on cloudy days and also in winter.

Do not use sunbeds. Your quest to get a deep tan right now can leave you with lots of little white spots on your skin later. Solariums can cause a number of problematic skin conditions and should be avoided in all cases.

See if IGH runs in your family. Even if you take all the recommended sun protection measures, you can end up with IGH spots due to genetics. Experts aren't exactly sure why, but IGH seems to run in families. If this is the case for you, then don't use it as an excuse not to protect your skin from the sun.

IGH spots are more common in people with fair skin, but are more visible in people with darker skin.

Treatment

- Use Raz Skincare A retinoid every night for a period of 3-4 months.
- Remember sun protection every single day.