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 Hyperpigmentation
Benign macules typically don't cause health problems, but they may be removed for cosmetic reasons. Ablative therapies may include chemical peels, cryotherapy and laser therapy. Hyperpigmented spots may be lightened by topical application of hydroquinone or retinoids.4Stulberg, 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
Cases of hyperpigmentation affecting more than 40 percent of the skin's surface area may be managed by topical application of monobenzone cream twice daily for six to 18 months. Monobenzone is typically only used in severe cases because it permanently destroys melanocytes in the skin.2Plensdorf, Scott, et al. ‘Pigmentation Disorders: Diagnosis and Management.’ American Family Physician, 15 Dec. 2017, www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1215/p797.html
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