Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis Follow-up
- Author: Stephen W White, MD; Chief Editor: William D James, MD more...
Further Outpatient Care
Sunscreens are advised because idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis is a marker of sun damage.
Deterrence/Prevention
Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis may be avoided, at least until late in life, by protection against sun damage.
Avoiding sun tanning is an important adjunct to prevention of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis because tanning accentuates the process and intensifies the pigmentary contrast. Artificial tanning using dihydroxyacetone-containing topical agents is a good alternative.
Prognosis
Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis progresses with increasing sun exposure and, to a lesser degree, with age.
Patient Education
Progress in preventing idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis can be made by educating young women not to tan their legs.
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