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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?
Mon, 28 Feb 2022
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
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
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
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
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