Is there any cure for these white age spots? (Photo)

Question

My inner arms have large areas of lightened skin and my legs are the same but now starting to have random white roots around the larger whiter area My 9 year old daughter seems to have something similar starting on her arms Is domething heredity? She obviously has not been sunbathing for years but does live in the sun

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Hyperpigmentation can ruin your skin and can be caused by either PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), melasma, age or sun spots, and chronic inflammation.  Starting treatment is easy with topical creams; followed by laser and light therapy. I would use a combination skincare protocol that includes topical Melarase creams first, followed by a combination of light fractional laser, depigmenting lasers and IPL, vascular pulsed dye laser, and Covalent peels. 
  
Recommended Creams: Melarase Brightening Kit
  
MelaClenz
  Melarase AM
  Melarase PM
  Melapads
  Replenish Retinoid Cream
  Best, 
  
Dr. Karamanoukian
  
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I have found the best treatments for this are a combination.  This can be improved with Fraxel or viva combined with microneedling/prp. Sun protection is essential. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer.

Mohamad H. Bazzi, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your inquiry.  The good news is that this is not a scary medical problem! The areas of hypopigmentation tend to be one of the most challenging things to address.  However there are sometimes options that may help blend them in by fading the surrounding skin such as hydroquinone. One of the most important factors that will at least aid in preventing it from worsening is using good suncare.  Repeated sun damage can contribute to this problem and perpetuate it.  Some treatment options through dermatology may include types of cryotherapy to help destroy the damaged melanin in the area in hopes of new healthier melanin formation or sometimes the use of steroids.  You truly would need to see a dermatologist to set up care and close follow up.
Good luck.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

The idea is to make these spots less visible. Fraxel to the surrounding skin to blend in and make area whiter, and then topical latiesse to the white spots. Not a 100% success treatment, but it can work. The condition you have is called idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, or a white age spot. All the best, Dr Davin S. Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

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Is there any cure for these white age spots? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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