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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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White Patches On Body, Increasing, Large Vitiligo Patch. Used Ammonia. What Is The Cause?

I am over 60. I noticed few scattered white patches , size of a sand particle, on both forearms and few,2-3, white patches on other parts of the body . They have been there for many years and don't seem to be on the increase. It is not visible from a distance, but more visible after sun tan ( I have a light brown skin colour and grey hair). I have a family history of vitiligo (49 year old niece). Are these patches likely to merge and become a typical large vitiligo patch? if so , are there any means of stopping this from happening, and is there any treatment that makes it disappear other than cosmetic comoflage. I use chemical hair dye, with and without amonia. I read warning of using chemical hair dyes as it may cause vitiligo,temporary or permanent.,so is that likely to have been the cause or would it make it increase?
Sat, 25 May 2013
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Dermatologist 's  Response
Hello,
Thanks for the query,

These grain like white patches are not vitiligo.

They are called as idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH).

These are age related changes,

there is no risk of these spots to grow and merge.

Dont worry at all, no treatment is needed.

Let me know if you have any other doubts.

you can ask a direct question to me on this forum, following the below link.

http://www.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-rahul-kumar/64818

Wishing you good health.

Thank you
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White Patches On Body, Increasing, Large Vitiligo Patch. Used Ammonia. What Is The Cause?

Hello, Thanks for the query, These grain like white patches are not vitiligo. They are called as idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH). These are age related changes, there is no risk of these spots to grow and merge. Dont worry at all, no treatment is needed. Let me know if you have any other doubts. you can ask a direct question to me on this forum, following the below link. http://www.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-rahul-kumar/64818 Wishing you good health. Thank you