White sun spots, or idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH), are caused by a decrease in melanin production due to UV exposure, genetics, or aging. They're harmless, but treatments can help minimize their appearance. White spots on your skin can signal idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, a result of UV exposure.

Understanding the Context

They may also be leftover scars from eczema or tinea versicolor, a fungal infection. Flat warts look like ... Hypomelanosis: There’s a lack (“hypo”) of melanin — the substance that gives your skin its color. The spots (macules) tend to appear on sun-exposed areas, like your forearms and shins.

Key Insights

What is idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis? Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis is a benign, common, acquired form of leukoderma that presents as small flat pale or white spots on sun-exposed limbs. Learn about idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH), including how to spot it, who gets it, and how to treat and maybe even prevent it. If your dermatologist tells you that the white spots on your skin are due to Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis (IGH), you can rest assured that they're not harmful. However, you might not like how they look on your legs, face, or other exposed areas.

Final Thoughts

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) is a benign, acquired skin condition characterized by small, round-to-oval, hypopigmented spots, typically 2 to 5 mm in diameter. These common lesions primarily appear on sun-exposed areas, such as the forearms, shins, and face. Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis presents as small, well-defined white macules (2-5mm) typically on sun-exposed areas such as the arms and legs. These spots represent areas where melanocytes have been damaged or destroyed by chronic sun exposure, leading to hypopigmentation.