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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Discoloration on Toddlers Arm/Shoulder
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Discoloration on Toddlers Arm/Shoulder
by Lisa Le, Jun 29, 2002 12:00AM
When my son was 1 yr. old (now 2 1/2) we noticed that his arm & shoulders did not have the same color as the rest of his body. We did not notice this until he had spent some time over the summer in the sun and developed a tan (except in those areas). He has two areas on his left arm about 1.5-2" each that do not have color along with some other smaller patches (all of which are located near the elbow area). In addition he also has this on the same arm, but near the upper arm & shoulder that have the non color patches and non color spots.
Pigmentation Problem (no color)
1. Is this a health issue? His pediatrican says to just keep an eye on it and to see a dermatologist. In the meantime, I would really appreciate any info & suggestions.
2. Can this get worse?
3. Is there any thing that can be done to correct this?
4. What can be done to stop (if possible) the progression of this?
5. What causes this?
Birthmark question
1. On his same left arm under his elbow though, he has a dark brown birthmark? Is this heredity? Can this be related to the above pigmentation problem?
Thank you so much for you time and profession input. I wasn't quite sure where to go at this point.
Pigmentation Problem (no color)
1. Is this a health issue? His pediatrican says to just keep an eye on it and to see a dermatologist. In the meantime, I would really appreciate any info & suggestions.
2. Can this get worse?
3. Is there any thing that can be done to correct this?
4. What can be done to stop (if possible) the progression of this?
5. What causes this?
Birthmark question
1. On his same left arm under his elbow though, he has a dark brown birthmark? Is this heredity? Can this be related to the above pigmentation problem?
Thank you so much for you time and profession input. I wasn't quite sure where to go at this point.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jun 30, 2002 12:00AM
, Jun 30, 2002 12:00AM
The truth is I'm not sure, but if your baby is growing and thriving normally, I doubt these uncolored spots imply any medical condition. Also, I'm quite sure that the birthmark is a separate and unrelated condition, of no medical significance.
My advice is to consult a dermatologist. If you live in or near a major metropolitan area, I'd go right to a pediatric dermatologist, which you should be able to access most easily in a Children's Hospital or other academic medical center. They may want to do some tests, such as examining the spots under a Woods (ultraviolet) light, or performing a skin biopsy (taking a specimen for analysis), or else they may just choose to follow the condition over time.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
My advice is to consult a dermatologist. If you live in or near a major metropolitan area, I'd go right to a pediatric dermatologist, which you should be able to access most easily in a Children's Hospital or other academic medical center. They may want to do some tests, such as examining the spots under a Woods (ultraviolet) light, or performing a skin biopsy (taking a specimen for analysis), or else they may just choose to follow the condition over time.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
