Freaking out: hypopigmentation (white spot)

cc_fame · January 2014

So at LOs 4 month checkup (she was 6 weeks early so we've already reached 4 months) I noticed an oval area on her arm that was lighter in color than the rest of her skin. I saw it as the doctor was checking out something else on her, like ears or eyes, and I immediately brought it to her attention. She brushed it off as no big deal and I was relieved. On the write-up sheet I was given after the checkup, I noticed it said hypopigmentation. I just figured it was the fancy med-speak way of saying white spot.

Well, this was last week. Today I'm just curious and I look up hypopigmentation online. I look at images online and see that some look like her spot. I read about some of them and WHAT THE EFF I'm freaking myself out that she now has something called tuberous sclerosis. I admit, I am a very big worrier and am actually on meds for depression/axiety so I'll put that out there right up front. But I can't help think I need to look into this.

Any other babies out there with white skin areas? Or maybe, are there any doctors reading this who can shed any light? I know I am on emotional overload right now (my mom is the one who I posted about who is currently fighting breast cancer) so I just cannot take any more worries.

MargaretC5 · January 2014

DH has those white spots. His are just cosmetic. I have know other people that have them also and none of them had any health concerns about them, just worried about how they looked.

On a lighter note, DH has a large white spot where men usually get a bald spot and his hair there turned white also, so it looked like he is balding. He does not think it is funny, but I do

cc_fame · January 2014

KuhaBaby said:

I have never heard of this but my baby has a little dark spot on his side and the doctor told me that it was no big deal... They just call that an accessory nipple. Ummm, you saying my child has a third nipple like chandler bing? If your doctor didn't seem that concerned try to not freak yourself out! Edit- I just googled it. My best friend's husband has this on his face. It's only noticeable in the summer when he is tan. Not a big deal, just looks a little different but he is still very cute with it.

Thank you for that. I guess that's what I'm looking for- more stories of people who have/know someone who has this and it's nothing.

I know my doctor didn't seem worried, but I've never really gotten a great feeling from her about how seriously she takes things. I might look into getting another ped. She's been my older LOs doctor, and although she's friendly, I sometimes wish she'd seem a little more interested in us during our visits.

cc_fame · January 2014

MargaretC5 said:

DH has those white spots. His are just cosmetic. I have know other people that have them also and none of them had any health concerns about them, just worried about how they looked.

On a lighter note, DH has a large white spot where men usually get a bald spot and his hair there turned white also, so it looked like he is balding. He does not think it is funny, but I do

What size are the white spots? LOs is about the size of one of those flattened oval pennies you can get from amusement parks, about the same shape, too. It's near her elbow

MargaretC5 · January 2014

cc_fame said:

MargaretC5 said:

DH has those white spots. His are just cosmetic. I have know other people that have them also and none of them had any health concerns about them, just worried about how they looked.

On a lighter note, DH has a large white spot where men usually get a bald spot and his hair there turned white also, so it looked like he is balding. He does not think it is funny, but I do

What size are the white spots? LOs is about the size of one of those flattened oval pennies you can get from amusement parks, about the same shape, too. It's near her elbow

He has two large ones (about the size of a softball), one is his "bald spot" and the other is on his neck. He also has a handful of smaller ones but honestly I really don't even notice these anymore, I would say they range in size from a penny to a half dollar and are on his head and shoulders.

I know it is easier said then done, but try not to worry about it. In the future if you notice anything else wrong with LO, you may want to just mention the spot to your pedi again just to make sure they are not related and a sign of a larger problem. DS has two unusually things we raised with our pedi, he did not seem worried about either, but did go check to make sure they were not symptoms of something else. They were not, but I thankful pedi took the time to double check.

Jalee85 · January 2014

I have lots of hypo pigmentation. Step away from the google machine for a little while. You will just worry yourself into an early grave.

Keep an eye on symptoms, but I wouldn't worry too much about it.

MrsAxilla · January 2014

My six year old has one on his chest. His pedi says its fine. It's really only noticeable when he's tan in the summer.

jennlin · January 2014

We have one the size of a pencil eraser. They're relatively common, no need to worry unless your doctor worries.

bkeane619 · January 2014

I have a large one on my inner thigh. You only notice when I have a tan wearing a bathing suit. NBD.

lovelainie · January 2014

I have one on my stomach. It's roughly the size of a half dollar, and, like PP's have said, it's only noticeable in the summer and I'm tan.

SnoopyLuv · January 2014

I have vitiligo so I'm always noticing these on people. Its very common and mot indicative of much. Stop googling and call your pedi if you're so concerned.

pmarie33 · January 2014

My dog has developed one on her face in the last year. Not sure if it's the same thing though.

jolie2femmes · March 2014

My son has it on his face it appeared very small at 2 months and just spreader across one side of his face

Lee81 · March 2014

I have a spot on my arm with no pigment. It's never caused me any trouble. Dr. Google is not always your friend. Try not to worry

chelseyestelle · March 2014

Wait, it actually calls them newbs? That's great.

chicsahm · March 2014

awwwpuddin said:

I have what looks like little white freckles all over my arms. It's only noticeable (to me only) in the summer when I have a little bit of a tan. You're probably overreacting at this point. The only kind of hypo pigmentation issues I would worry about is vitiligo, and that usually doesn't show up until much later in life.

I have this as well…. although mine I am sure come from sun damage. Growing up in SD never wearing a lick of sunscreen… ever. OP I wouldn't worry at all! Never use google to look up something medical, please call and ask your Dr. to clarify!! The medical terms they use can mean a HUGE spectrum of things.

pandaglitter · March 2014

chelseyestelle said:
Wait, it actually calls them newbs? That's great.

Leave it to a newb to bump a thread that's almost three months old.

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