Efficacy of tip cryotherapy in the treatment of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH): a randomized, controlled, evaluator-blinded study
Background: Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) is a common hypopigmentation affecting a large amount of older population. However, there is no standard treatment. Cryotherapy has been reported as an alternative therapy for years; nevertheless, there is no randomized controlled study to determine...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Taylor & Francis Group
2017-04-01
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| Series: | Journal of Dermatological Treatment |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2016.1221498 |
| Summary: | Background: Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) is a common hypopigmentation affecting a large amount of older population. However, there is no standard treatment. Cryotherapy has been reported as an alternative therapy for years; nevertheless, there is no randomized controlled study to determine its efficacy. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and side effects of tip cryotherapy in IGH treatment. Material and methods: Total 101 lesions were included. Forty-three lesions were treated with cryotherapy and 58 lesions were assigned as control. A single session of tip cryotherapy was delivered and remained for 5 s. Colorimeter was used to measure lesional luminosity at baseline and then monthly until 4 months. Digital photographs were evaluated by two blinded dermatologists. In addition, patients’ assessments and side effects were assessed. Results: Mean luminosity scale gradually decreased from baseline. Also, the score of the treated lesions has been significantly lower than that of the control lesions since week 8 (p = .005). At the fourth month, dermatologists’ assessment revealed that 82.3% of the treated lesions comparing to only 2% of the control showed more than 75% improvement (p < .001). Burning sensation was the most common side effect. Conclusion: Tip cryotherapy appears to be an effective therapy with minimal adverse effect for IGH. |
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| ISSN: | 0954-6634 1471-1753 |