Pease Help.Vitiligo on my 10 month old?

Vitiligo on my 10 month old?
Hello, I am a first time mom with a 10 month old perfect baby girl. I noticed a white spot on her stomach when she was 3 months old. My ped. dismissed it as a birthmark. Then 4th of july her belly was exposed to the sun for the first time and we noticed a larger patch on the top left of her torso. This spots is hardly noticeable since she is causasion and her belly has never been in the sun.The Ped gave us a "maybe it is" diagnosis, and told us to visit a Ped Derm. She did rule out other conditions associated with white patches. I did make an appt. with the only Ped Derm in the area and could not be seen for a month! My instinct tells me that it is Vitiligo. I am not looking for a diagnosis, just some practical advice, opinions and answers. I looked at past pics and I could see both spots at 3 months and it doesn't look as though they have changed much. Has anyone experienced vitiligo in a child this young?  I put up a picture ,please look. If anyone could help, I would be so appreciative.
Thank-you,
One stressed out Momma

[toorche]

I couldn't see the photos, could you post it again?

Thanks...

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
?

Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes in the skin are destroyed. As a result, white patches appear on the skin in different parts of the body. There is a genetic component involved but  only 5 to 7 percent of children will get vitiligo even if a parent has it, and most people with vitiligo do not have a family history of the disorder. Other risk factors that increase one's chances of developing vitiligo include having autoimmune diseases.

The diagnosis of vitiligo is made based on a physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. A small sample or biopsy of the affected skin may be obtained to be examined under a microscope. In vitiligo, the skin sample will usually show a complete absence of pigment-producing melanocytes. Take care and keep us posted.

[toorche]

Doc, am also from the Philippines, is there a way I could privately send you photos of my child about the white marks on her body?

Thanks...

[pjsnider]

My daughter had white spots appear on her inner thigh around 6 mo. she is 15 now and they have spread, but they don't cause her any problems and are a topic of conversation among her friends! They are now on both thighs and her stomach. When she laid out this summer, she burned her stomach and the large area on her stomach turned a very bright cotton candy pink, so I think she needs to be more careful with the sun on the areas, and  maybe this is something for you to take into account for the future for your little one too. I don't know if the spots are at a greater risk for skin cancer, but I don't want to find out the hard way either! My daughter also has two autoimmune disorders ( juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and hypothyroidism)She also has a slightly darker skin pigment to start with ( she is 1/4 mexican)so the areas show up like a very fair skinned persons would with a light tan. Tanning will make them a lot more noticeable. Hopefully this helps!

[Kaylajoy]

Here are the pics. Thank-you for the response! The spots have spread slightly since the pics were taken. The ped derm wasn't helpful. She said it looked like excema and sent me home with a cream called Atopiclair. She wants to see her in 3 months to see if it clears up. It hasn't helped one bit. I have gathered that it is hard to diagnoses for someone so young? The only for sure would be a skin biopsy, which I won't do to my 12 month old.  Thank-you again for your help. http://www.flickr.com/photos/19486747@N04/2653608160/

[toorche]

Thanks for the photos... My daughter's white spot is different because it's like drops or white marks not big ones'

[pjsnider]

Thanks for the pics, and that looks an awful lot like what my daughter has. She even has one in about the same area! Like I said above, she doesn't have any problems with the areas, but she does have the autoimmune disorders,and the DR above indicated an increased risk between the two

[Kaylajoy]

Hello, I was wondering if your daughters spots have been diagnosed as Vitiligo? Also, when did you first notice them?

[pjsnider]

No, they have not been diagnosed as vitiligo yet, her pediatrician said that was more than likely what it was, but no tests were ever done. I first noticed them on her inner thigh when she was about 5-6 months old.
the areas have spread to include both upper thighs and one small and one large area on her stomach.
Reading other questions and responses on here has got me to thinking if it IS something else and taking her in for further diagnosis.

[kbk78]

My daughter has pale patches near her eyelids similar to your kids.Is it to worry

[Kaylajoy]

Hello, before you drive yourself to crazy the first thing I would do is find a pediatric dermatologist in your area and make an appt. Also keep an eye on the patches for growth. ie. take pics. My daughter finally got in to see a specialist. She was finally diagnosed with vitiligo, which I have known in my heart for a while. Try to keep your head up and get some sleep! Vitiligo is not physically painful which is a blessing.