Live Strong & Age Well

IGH is tiny white spots, usually 2–5 mm wide.  Most often on forearms, shins, upper back, and neck.  Caused by long-term cumulative sun damage.  The pigment cells (melanocytes) in those spots have stopped producing melanin.  Not contagious, not painful, not itchy. It looks like round or oval white spots, evenly shaped.  The skin is otherwise normal — smooth, not dry or scaly. Doesn’t tan — which makes the spots stand out more in summer.  They don’t fade like sunburn or PMLE reactions — once they appear, they  Daily sunscreen on exposed areas — this won’t reverse IGH, but it prevents more spots.  Retinoid creams (like tretinoin or adapalene) can mildly improve pigment over time — ask a dermatologist.  Topical steroids or bleaching creams do NOT help, and may make the contrast worse.  Laser treatments (like fractional CO2) may help in some cases. Harsh exfoliation — it won’t help and could irritate the surrounding skin.  Excessive sun...