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 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.