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Is A White Patch On The Forehead Of An Infant A Cause For Concern?

Posted on Mon, 19 Dec 2016

Question: My 1 month old infant born white patch on her head just above forehead lo. Is it normal? It has not increased in size.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need more information

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist). I have gone through your query and i have reviewed the image.

I would keep a possibility of either nevus depigmentosus or congenital vitiligo.

Can you upload a few moe images? Is there a family history?

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (10 minutes later)

My mother aunt who is my grandpa's sister has vitiligo from age 30. What u told is curable?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of either nevus depigmentosus or vitiligo

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

I would keep a possible diagnosis of either nevus depigmentosus or congenital vitiligo.
Nevus depigmentosus is congenital, localized, stable, white patch whereas vitiligo patches are usually acquired (rarely congenital) and may increase in size Or number over time.
You may use a topical cream e.g flutivate cream, twice daily, for 4-8 weeks, over this patch.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 hours later)

Sir, how can I confirm whether it is ND or vitiligo? How long does it take for vitiligo to spread? Is it possible for my baby to get vitiligo from my mother's aunt as hereditary?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up required to distinguish between ND and vitiligo

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Vitiligo is commonly acquired rather than hereditary i.e develops later in life. However, it can be congenital in onset.
ND on the other hand is always congenital i.e present from birth. The treatment your son has been offered i.e cutisoft cream by the treating dermatologist is for vitiligo.
For just a single white patch it is difficult to distinguish ND from vitiligo clinically. If there were more patches than it was definitely in favor of vitiligo.
As i said ND is stable whereas vitiligo may spread therefore your son needs to be followed up for a period of time.
Another way to distunguish between vitiligo and ND is by Wood's lamp examination.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Can Woods lamp exp be performed on infant? If so I will take her to hsptl immediately

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Woods light would distinguish between vitiligo and Nevus depigmentosus

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Yes, woods' lamp examination can be performed on an Infant.

Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. REMY KOSHY