As your summer tan fades, you might notice tiny white spots on your arms or legs that seem to stand out more with age. These marks are usually idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH)—a very common, harmless skin change caused by long-term sun exposure and natural aging.
IGH happens when pigment-producing cells slow down or disappear in small areas, leaving pale dots behind. They aren’t dangerous, aren’t caused by fungus, and don’t require treatment. While there’s no reliable way to restore pigment, protecting your skin from the sun can help prevent more from appearing.
