White Spots

[sfgramma]

I am a 61-year-old caucasian female (English/Irish descent) and had a malignant melanoma removed from my back 5 years ago, no recurrance.  It was 2cm x 2cm and .49mm deep.  In the past year, I have developed irregular circles of white skin on the backs of both hands.  Now there are new white spots on the backs of each thumb and on one wrist.  On my hands, they measure 1.5" x 2" and are smaller on the thumbs.  The white areas will not tan and look really hideous when the skin around them has sun exposure and tans a bit. My lower, outer arms are looking more blotchy, as well, but the white spots are not as defined. However, they are not dry or flaky or crusty and merely look like loss of pigment.  Is this dangerous?  Is it reversible?  Can I contain it or will it worsen and spread?  I thought it was just due to age, but as new spots appeared, I became worried.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

My best guess is that these represent vitiligo, a loss of pigment that affects about 1% of the world's population.  It's hard to treat but has no significance beyond appearance.  It gets less noticeable when the tan around it fades.

Since you had a melanoma, I assume you have a skin doctor who keeps an eye on you at regular intervals.  If you don't, you should.  Either way, when you see the doctor, ask about your spots.  Meantime, don't worry.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff