Macules Causes, Treatments and More
Article Sources
- 1. Julia Benedetti, et al. 'Description of Skin Lesions - Dermatologic Disorders.' Merck Manuals Professional Edition, Merck Manuals, www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/approach-to-the-dermatologic-patient/description-of-skin-lesions
- 2. Plensdorf, Scott, et al. 'Pigmentation Disorders: Diagnosis and Management.' American Family Physician, 15 Dec. 2017, www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1215/p797.html
- 3. Madireddy, Sowmya. 'Hypopigmented Macules.' StatPearls /[Internet/]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 9 Oct. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563245/
- 4. Stulberg, Daniel L., et al. 'Common Hyperpigmentation Disorders in Adults: Part I. Diagnostic Approach, Cafe Au Lait Macules, Diffuse Hyperpigmentation, Sun Exposure, and Phototoxic Reactions.' American Family Physician, 15 Nov. 2003, www.aafp.org/afp/2003/1115/p1955.html
- 5. Toledo Peral, Cinthya Lourdes, et al. 'An Application for Skin Macules Characterization Based on a 3-Stage Image-Processing Algorithm for Patients with Diabetes.' Journal of Healthcare Engineering, Hindawi, 16 Dec. 2018, www.hindawi.com/journals/jhe/2018/9397105/
- 6. 'Achromic Naevus.' Achromic Naevus | DermNet NZ, www.dermnetnz.org/topics/achromic-naevus/
- 7. Jha, Suman K. 'Cafe Au Lait Macules.' StatPearls /[Internet/]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 16 Nov. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557492/
Managing Hypopigmentation
Sun protection is essential for managing hypopigmentation because the affected skin may be vulnerable to UV exposure. Cosmetic options to make macules less noticeable include topical dyes, concealers and self-tanning products. Therapies to relieve hypopigmented macules may include topical corticosteroids and calcineuron inhibitors.3Madireddy, Sowmya. ‘Hypopigmented Macules.’ StatPearls /[Internet/]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 9 Oct. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563245/
Widespread discoloration may respond to ultraviolet A or narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy. Localized vitiligo macules may be addressed with surgery or punch grafting, which involves punching a small hole in the skin and covering it with a new skin plug.2Plensdorf, Scott, et al. ‘Pigmentation Disorders: Diagnosis and Management.’ American Family Physician, 15 Dec. 2017, www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1215/p797.html
Advertisement
