The exact cause of hypomelanosis of Ito is unknown. Many cases are associated with genetic mosaicism and sporadic gene mutations. Genetic mosaicism is the term for individuals who have two distinct cell lines in the body that developed because of a gene mutation that occurred during embryonic development. What does Hypomelanosis mean?
(HY-poh-meh-luh-NOH-sis) Deficiency of melanin.
Does pigmentary mosaicism go away?
Pigmentary mosaicism is a permanent color change in the skin. We are not able to change the genetic material to make the skin color the same. How is Hypomelanosis treated?
Medical therapy for idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis includes corticosteroids, either topical or intralesional, and retinoids, typically topical tretinoin.
What is pigmentary disorder?
Pigmentary disorders result from a problem with melanin, a pigment produced by melanocytes that helps determine the color of the skin, hair, and eye iris. Increased melanin causes darker pigmentation, whereas decreased or missing melanin causes a lighter or white appearance. What could be mistaken for vitiligo?
Thermal burns, inflammatory skin disorders like psoriasis, or bacterial infections like leprosy may cause a reversible loss of skin color. Genetically determined diseases like piebaldism can also create distinctive patterns of milky white skin and hair, which can be mistaken for vitiligo.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
What can be mistaken for vitiligo?
Pityriasis versicolor or vitiligo? Pityriasis versicolor can sometimes be confused with vitiligo, as they both cause the skin to become discoloured in patches.
What autoimmune diseases cause hyperpigmentation?
Lupus erythematosus (LE) is an autoimmune disorder commonly affecting the skin; cutaneous lesions may indicate systemic involvement, warranting further evaluation. Photosensitivity, which may result in hyperpigmentation, is a well-known feature of the disease.
What is Hypomelanosis of Ito syndrome genetic mosaic?
Hypomelanosis of Ito is a pigmentary mosaicism characterized by a clone of skin cells with decreased ability to produce pigment. The clinical pattern is characterized by hypopigmented streaks and whorls running along the lines of Blaschko, characteristically involving more than two body segments.
How common is nevus Depigmentosus?
The term nevus depigmentosus, however, is a misnomer, because the lesion is hypopigmented but not depigmented. The reported prevalence of nevus depigmentosus varies from 0.4% to 3%.
What is progressive macular Hypomelanosis?
Can mosaicism be cured?
There is no cure for T8mS, but some symptoms of the condition may be treated. Treatment will vary depending on symptoms and severity. Symptoms with no associated health problems, such as facial deformities, may be difficult to treat and may require surgery. In some cases, heart surgery is also recommended.
What is Pallister Killian syndrome?
Pallister-Killian mosaic syndrome is a rare chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of at least four copies of the short arm of chromosome 12 instead of the normal two.
What is Nevoid hypopigmentation?
Abstract. Linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis (LWNH) is a rare disorder of pigmentation characterized by hyperpigmented macules in a linear or whorled streaky configuration. Lesions are distributed mainly on the trunk and extremities, sparing the palms, soles, and mucosae.
Is Hypomelanosis curable?
Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis usually does not require treatment apart from reassurance as to the benign nature of the condition. Sun protection is recommended. Treatment options: Cryotherapy — 5 second, single session, repigmentation visible by 4 months.
Does Hypomelanosis go away?
IGH is a benign condition with an excellent prognosis; however, once present, lesions do not remit without treatment. As such, they primarily represent a cosmetic concern. IGH may be an indication of cumulative sun exposure.
Which vitamin deficiency causes white spots on skin?
Deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D and vitamin E can cause white patches on the skin. While harmless, these white spots indicate that you need to eat a healthy, balanced diet.
What causes IGH?
What causes IGH? The exact cause is unknown, but factors that seem to be involved include aging, ultraviolet exposure, trauma and genetic factors, according to a review of studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. About 87% of people over the age of 40 have the white spots, researchers found.
What is a Lentigine?
A lentigo (plural: lentigines) is a spot on the skin that is darker (usually brown) than the surrounding skin. Lentigines are more common among Caucasian patients, especially those with fair skin, but can occur in anyone.
What is skin Dyschromia?
Dyschromia is a change in color of the skin or nails. Although not specific to pigmentation, it is usually used to reference abnormality in pigmentation, but it can be a change in color, a loss or increase in pigmentation.
How can I test for vitiligo at home?
There are no at-home tests available to diagnose vitiligo. However, you can do a general self-check of your skin and look for patchy or widespread loss of pigmentation (the coloring of your skin, hair, and eyes).
At what age vitiligo starts?
Although vitiligo can develop in anyone at any age, it most commonly appears in people ages 10 to 30 years. Vitiligo rarely appears in the very young or very old.
Is vitiligo a fungus?
Tinea versicolor caused by a fungal infection that results in small, discolored patches of skin. Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disease that progressively destroys the skin’s pigment-producing cells and results in areas of white skin devoid of melanin pigment.
Are vitiligo patches dry?
Vitiligo does not cause discomfort to your skin, such as dryness, but the patches may occasionally be itchy. The condition varies from person to person. Some people only get a few small, white patches, but others get bigger white patches that join up across large areas of their skin.
How do I know if I have vitiligo or something else?
Loss of skin color in patches, usually seen first on your face, hands, arms, legs, and feet. Premature whitening of your body hair, including facial hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Loss of color of the tissues inside your nose. Changes in or loss of color in your eyes.
How fast does vitiligo spread?
It spreads very quickly, faster than the other forms, but only for about 6 months (sometimes up to a year). It’s such a rapid pace that patients assume it will soon cover their entire body, but it stops abruptly and usually remains stable, without changing, forever after that.
Graduated from ENSAT (national agronomic school of Toulouse) in plant sciences in 2018, I pursued a CIFRE doctorate under contract with Sun’Agri and INRAE in Avignon between 2019 and 2022. My thesis aimed to study dynamic agrivoltaic systems, in my case in arboriculture. I love to write and share science related Stuff Here on my Website. I am currently continuing at Sun’Agri as an R&D engineer.