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Incontinentia pigmenti achromians
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| Definition: |
A congenital disorder that causes unusual and sometimes bizarre patterns of hypopigmented (diminished pigment) skin.
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| Alternative Names: |
Hypomelanosis of Ito
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
| The cause of this disorder is unknown, though most patients have abnormal chromosomes. Girls are affected slightly more often than boys. |
| Signs and tests: |
| A Wood's lamp examination of the skin lesions may help confirm the diagnosis. Your physician may also recommend chromosome analysis or a further medical workup to discover any associated medical problems. |
| Treatment: |
| There is no treatment for the hypopigmentation. Treatment consists of treating the symptoms. Cosmetics or clothing may be used to cover the hypopigmented spots if desired. Seizures, scoliosis, and other problems are treated as necessary. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| The outcome varies depending on the type and severity of symptoms that develop. In most cases, the skin pigment eventually returns to normal. |
| Calling your health care provider: |
| Call your health care provider if your child exhibits an unusual pigmentary pattern of the skin. |
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Review Date: 12/2/2001
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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