Skin Issue

[Tony94]

Hey peeps,

Iv'e had these small pin sized red dots on my hand and arms for about 2 years now, if i'm outside and the weather is cold they definitely stand out more. Also if the weather is cold then a white circle will go around the red dot but if i'm warm then there will just be a red pin sized dot and no white circle. They are not raised and do not itch. Anyone got any idea's? Any feed back would be much appreciated. I'm 17 by the way, weigh about 14 stone.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis does not appear to be due to trauma or viral infection. The white areas do not predispose to skin cancer and it is not dangerous. However you should het it examined from a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[Tony94]

Thanks for the feedback, really appreciate it. I did actually look at some photo's of Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis on the web and they do actually look a lot like what I have on my arms and hands. It's strange though, the spots on my hands are also accompanied with a very small red dot then an outside ring of white, really can't find anywhere what it is, soon I will seek out the opinion of a Dermatologist.

I wouldn't normally worry about them but iv'e heard scary stories about people with these spots on their body and have got liver damage, I dunno if it's likely though seeing as i'm only 17. Reading stuff like that worries me though because I am an anxious person anyway and yes in the past I have experimented with drugs but it's something I really do regret.

But anyways thanks for the feedback once again, really appreciate it, do you know if Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis is dangerous? If I get round too it I will upload some photo's of them, probably in the cold weather because thats when they stand out the most.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These white spots can be due to idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis or Bier spots. Bier spots are small, light macules usually found on the arms and legs of young adults, in which the intervening skin may seem erthematous but blanches with pressure so that these light macules disappear.

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis is 2 to 5-mm flat white spots found on the shins and forearms. It can be due to sun damage or ageing. Treatment options include protection from the sun, cryotherapy, dermabrasion or microdermabrasion, tretinoin cream or pinch grafts of normal pigmented skin. I suggest you to get an evaluation done from a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[maatson]

Possibly 'Bier Spots'.