Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis (IGH) is a leukoderma of unknown cause (idiopathic). Now a leukoderma is simply a fancy term for a loss or lack of coloration in the skin. A number of conditions result in this symptom, and the loss of skin pigment is usually patchy but localized. In the case of Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis, the loss of skin pigment presents itself as a sort of polka dot of rather tiny white spots on the skin.
IGH, sometimes also called Leukopathia symmetrica progressiva, is most common among caucasians and women. However, the prevalence increases across all races with advancing age, and half or more of the population over the age of 50 experiences Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis to at least some extent.
Risk Factors and Treatment: Sun exposure seems to be a factor in the condition, since it tends only to appear on exposed skin. Exfoliation may help. Generally for leukoderma, the fruit of the Bael Tree from India has been traditionally prescribed as a natural cure.
