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

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.

Keywords:

• Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis
• tip cryotherapy
• cryotherapy
• liquid nitrogen
• cryosurgery
• leukoderma
• therapeutic wounding

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Funding

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