PROGRESSIVE MACULAR HYPOMELANOSIS
Progressive Macular Hypomelanosis (PMH) is caused by a reaction to the bacteria P. acnes that results in white patches on the trunk. These lesions show red fluorescence in a follicular pattern which is helpful in diagnosis. In the laboratory, Propionibacterium acnes may be cultured from the follicles. It is thought that the P. acnes secretes a factor that interferes with melanogenesis.
- The average age is 18-25, primarily affecting young adults, especially women.
- The patchy hypopigmentation of PMH is often misdiagnoses as tinea versicolor, but lacks erythema and scale and is resistant to antifungal treatment.
Clinical
Hypopigmented areas are seen on the trunk, often lower trunk in a young person. Wood's light shows follicular flourescence, so called "starry sky".
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