The main factor behind IGH is long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
Over many years, UV radiation gradually injures melanocytes, the cells that create melanin. When clusters of these cells weaken or disappear, those small patches of skin stop producing pigment.
In simple terms:
- UV light damages pigment-producing cells
- Pigment production decreases in scattered areas
- Those zones look lighter than the surrounding skin
Is It Possible to Remove Them?
At this time, there is no treatment that consistently brings the color back once the melanocytes in those areas have been lost.
Options sometimes mentioned include:
- Prescription creams such as retinoids
- Light-based dermatological procedures
- Chemical exfoliation
While these approaches may slightly improve the appearance for some people, the pigment loss is usually permanent, and results tend to vary widely. For this reason, many skin specialists prefer not to recommend aggressive treatment solely for IGH.
Could It Be Something Else?
Occasionally, people confuse IGH with a fungal skin condition, especially tinea versicolor.
Antifungal products will not help with IGH because it is not an infection.
A few clues to help distinguish them: