Milder ones such as hydrocortisone can be purchased OTC, while stronger formulations will usually require a prescription.Īlthough topical corticosteroid creams are prescribed to those with white sunspots, there is no conclusive evidence to support their ability to fade these spots. Topical steroid creamsĪlthough these creams are typically used to reduce inflammation and treat conditions such as eczema, creams that contain corticosteroids-which mimics cortisol, a naturally occurring hormone-may help to reduce white sunspots.Ĭorticosteroid creams are available in different strengths. While both these creams may help to reduce the appearance of white spots, their effectiveness is questionable and neither can be considered a reliable treatment method. There are two OTC topical options available to address white sunspots: steroid creams and retinoid creams. Over the Counter Treatments for White Sunspots PINPOINT RED DOTS ON SKIN AFTER BEING IN SUN PROFESSIONALProfessional treatments offer quicker and typically more superior results, however, even the best available options will not fully fade spots. At-home treatments are limited to topicals which require months of regular application to achieve even minor results. Unfortunately, treating IGH is particularly difficult. Some people may opt to treat sunspots on aesthetic grounds by one of two ways: over-the-counter (OTC) creams and professional treatments. A dermatologist can give an accurate assessment of your skin and provide treatment. With that said, similar appearing white spots can be a sign of more harmful conditions, such as fungal infections, which require medical attention. IGH are harmless and there is no evidence to link them to skin cancer or any other health concerns. Should you be concerned if you are affected? This increased amount of UV damage may explain why lighter- skinned people are more likely to develop IGH. This may explain why IGH is more common with age as the effects of sun damage compound over years of exposure.Īdditionally, those with lighter skin tones are subjected to more UV damage over the course of a lifetime than those with darker skin due to lighter skin’s lower levels of melanin, a natural defense against UV damage. Sun damage, which is believed by some to trigger IGH, accumulates over time. Women are also more prone to IGH than men, however this condition can affect anyone. Although the exact number of people with IGH is unknown, one study found that more than 85% of people over the age of 40 had some level of white sunspots. IGH typically occurs in people with lighter skin tones over the age of 40, and becomes increasingly common with age. Genetics may also predispose some to IGH as the condition seems to run in families. This link to sun exposure is partially based on the fact that the spots most often appear on areas exposed to the sun such as the arms, legs, face and back.Īlthough sun damage is one explanation for these spots, others believe they are part of the natural aging process. While the factors that lead to IGH are still disputed and a definitive cause has yet to be established, the most commonly accepted explanation is that the melanin production process is disrupted by accumulated ultraviolet (UV) damage as a result of years of sun exposure. Most are smooth to the touch, but some can feel scaly. IGH spots appear gradually on the skin over time and tend to be small – commonly between 2–6 mm. The name is descriptive, referring to the cause and appearance of these spots: idiopathic means the cause is unknown, guttate refers to their teardrop shape and hypomelanosis, the lighter-colored skin. Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) is the medical term for white spots on the skin. What Is Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis (IGH)? Professional Treatments for White Sunspots.Over the Counter Treatments for White Sunspots.What Is Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis (IGH)?.
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