Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Unusual Hypopigmentation On The Back, Buttocks, Chest, Face And Arms?

Last August I suddenly developed hypopigmentation in spots all over my back, some areas on my buttocks, chest, face, and a few spots on my arms (none on my legs). I had a skin biopsy, and blood test which were both inconclusive. I was told that is not vitilago, but seems to be some post inflammatory reaction (cause unknown) No topical or oral treatments have worked at all. What is my next step?
posted on Thu, 28 May 2015
Twitter Wed, 23 Feb 2022 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 28 Feb 2022 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

You are suffering from unusual hypopigmentation on the back, buttocks, chest, face and arms. You had a skin biopsy and the reports are inconclusive. Yes, it can be due to post inflammatory reaction. Commonly seen in people with strong melanocytes develop hypo-pigmentation. After identification of the cause it can be treated. Steroid creams may be helpful. Sun or UV exposure are also options but response to treatment my vary from person to person.

You are advised to get clinically examined by a Dermatologist. If the melanocytes are destroyed, hypopigmentation can become permanent but if the factor causing it is detected and removed then improvement within a period of weeks or few months can be seen. Your treating dermatologist may recommend light, laser treatment of skin grafting. If hypopigmentation is due to infection, the cause of infection will be treated first.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Pathologist and Microbiologist,  Dr. Shailja Puri's  Response
Hello,

Hypopigmentation patch developing as a result of inflammation may be due to loss of melanocytes. If the loss of melanocytes is temporary the pigmentation may develop again. The hypopigmentation on visible areas of body can be managed by a cosmetologist. I suggest you to consult a cosmetologist at the earliest.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Shailja Puri, Pathologist and Microbiologist
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Unusual Hypopigmentation On The Back, Buttocks, Chest, Face And Arms?

Hello, You are suffering from unusual hypopigmentation on the back, buttocks, chest, face and arms. You had a skin biopsy and the reports are inconclusive. Yes, it can be due to post inflammatory reaction. Commonly seen in people with strong melanocytes develop hypo-pigmentation. After identification of the cause it can be treated. Steroid creams may be helpful. Sun or UV exposure are also options but response to treatment my vary from person to person. You are advised to get clinically examined by a Dermatologist. If the melanocytes are destroyed, hypopigmentation can become permanent but if the factor causing it is detected and removed then improvement within a period of weeks or few months can be seen. Your treating dermatologist may recommend light, laser treatment of skin grafting. If hypopigmentation is due to infection, the cause of infection will be treated first. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician