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Other Treatment

Efficacy of tip cryotherapy in the treatment of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH): a randomized, controlled, evaluator-blinded study

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Pages 271-275 | Received 26 May 2016, Accepted 27 Jul 2016, Published online: 23 Aug 2016
 

Abstract

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.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Funding

This work was supported by Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University.

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