Hypomelanosis of Ito: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P Hypomelanosis of Ito (HMI) is a very rare birth defect that causes unusual patches of light-colored (hypopigmented) skin and may be associated with eye, nervous system, and skeletal problems.

T Causes
P Health care providers do not know the exact cause of HMI, but they believe it is a problem with genes. It is twice as common in girls than in boys.

T Symptoms
P Skin symptoms are most often visible by the time a child is about 2 years old.
P Other symptoms develop as the child grows, and may include:
- Crossed eyes (strabismus)
- Hearing problems
- Increased body hair (hirsutism)
- Scoliosis
- Seizures
- Streaked, whorled or mottled patches of skin on the arms, legs, and middle of the body
- Intellectual disability, including autism spectrum and learning disability
- Mouth or tooth problems

T Exams and Tests
P Ultraviolet light (Wood lamp) examination of the skin lesions may help confirm the diagnosis.
P Tests that may be done include any of the following:
- CT or MRI scan of the head for a child with seizures and nervous system symptoms
- X-rays for a child with skeletal problems
- EEG to measure electrical activity of the brain in a child with seizures
- Genetic testing

T Treatment
P There is no treatment for the skin patches. Cosmetics or clothing may be used to cover the patches. Seizures, scoliosis, and other problems are treated as needed.

T Outlook (Prognosis)
P Outlook depends on the type and severity of symptoms that develop. In most cases, skin color eventually turns to normal.

T Possible Complications
P Problems that may result from HMI include:
- Discomfort and walking problems due to scoliosis
- Emotional distress, related to the physical appearance
- Intellectual disability
- Injury from seizures

T When to Contact a Medical Professional
P Call your provider if your child has an unusual pattern of the color of the skin. However, any unusual patterns are likely to have another cause than HMI.

T Alternative Names
P Incontinentia pigmenti achromians; HMI; Ito hypomelanosis

T References
P Habif TP. Light-related diseases and disorders of pigmentation. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 19.
P Patterson JW. Disorders of pigmentation. In: Patterson JW, ed. Weedon's Skin Pathology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2016:chap 10.

T Review Date 5/2/2017
P Updated by: David L. Swanson, MD, Vice Chair of Medical Dermatology, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Medical School, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

