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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Could Cause White Spots On Ankles And Top Of The Feet?

I have white spots onmy ankles and tops of my feet . It started on my right inner ankle than a year later it spread to my left ankle, than it spread to the tops of my feet now its going up my legs. They dont itch, they are not bumpy feels just like my skin just no color
Fri, 11 Apr 2014
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Dermatologist,  's  Response
Hi,

It seems that you may be having idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis.Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis is 2 to 5-mm flat white spots found on the shins and forearms. ‘Idiopathic’ means the cause is unknown, ‘guttate’ means resembling tear-drops, and ‘hypomelanosis’ refers to the lighter colour of the affected areas.
They appear as part of the aging process, becoming quite common in those over 40 years of age. They are more common in women than in men. Inherited factors may be relevant as the lesions appear to be more common in family members.
Treatment is not required as the marks are completely harmless. Attempts to destroy the lesions may leave brown marks or larger white marks, which may look worse than the original condition. Sun protection may prevent further development of the lesions. Tretinoin gel may be tried. If no result, take it easy. Keep it untreated. I hope you got my answer.

Thanks.

Dr. Ilyas Patel MD


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What Could Cause White Spots On Ankles And Top Of The Feet?

Hi, It seems that you may be having idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis.Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis is 2 to 5-mm flat white spots found on the shins and forearms. ‘Idiopathic’ means the cause is unknown, ‘guttate’ means resembling tear-drops, and ‘hypomelanosis’ refers to the lighter colour of the affected areas. They appear as part of the aging process, becoming quite common in those over 40 years of age. They are more common in women than in men. Inherited factors may be relevant as the lesions appear to be more common in family members. Treatment is not required as the marks are completely harmless. Attempts to destroy the lesions may leave brown marks or larger white marks, which may look worse than the original condition. Sun protection may prevent further development of the lesions. Tretinoin gel may be tried. If no result, take it easy. Keep it untreated. I hope you got my answer. Thanks. Dr. Ilyas Patel MD