My white spots on skin are not vitiligo; Skin Biopsy Interesting

Just spoke with the new dermatologist I went to last week who did a punch biopsy of skin in two places. She was very thorough and open to Lyme problems.

For years I have thought I have acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (ACA), a European form of Lyme. Also had been told my a very un-thorough dermatologist about 6 months ago I have vitiligo. Neither seems to be true, and the loss of fat I have noted for years has been found to be loss of elasticity just under skin.

These are two big findings as I know there are several on this site who have similar loss of "fat" throughout body and a few with white spots. I believe astroman said he actually has vitiligo, which I am not questioning.

But the biopsy could explain why most all autoimmune tests I have gone through, and they have been extensive, have been negative. Since I was told the white spots were vitiligo, it made no sense, to me, to test so often as negative for autoimmune diseases.

She explained the loss of elasticity is a process, though she wasn't sure why. She said it is in the layer just beneath the skin. As far as the white spots go, she said they are more raised than the darker skin around them. I have noticed they are in areas where I got a lot of sun in my life.

I have been describing the loss of elasticity as loss of fat, but the biopsy changes my thoughts. It has to be related to Lyme as the timing is too coincidental. There have been so many others mention the same on this site. My guess is there is no getting back the elasticity, but it is better than loss of all fat, which could impact the organs.

Anyone ever have the skin get better after something similar? Haven't seen anyone yet.

Hmm. Good dermo dr.

Vitaligo is level with the rest of the skin and is more blotches vs spots. Like a map of a lake that has many outer bays.

Did the derm Dr have a name for this???

Vitaligo does not have any skin changes other than loss of color. It is also very noticeable with Caucasian people who seasonally tan, as the vitaligo wont tan. With too much sun it bill burn to a pink/light red and peel, thus its advised to not get sun burnt. Its very visible with dark skinned people year around.

Micheal Jackson had his whole body medically skin bleached vs dark skin "make-up", so he was all one color.

There are no known antibodies associated with it, but it usually shows up in people who have other known/ proven autoimmune issues/ "diseases".

I have white spots but not large areas. The biggest ones are about the size of a pencil eraser. I have had them for decades, long before I was knowingly sick. Of course I think I had bart long before I was knowingly sick, too.

astroman - The call was quick, and I am waiting for the results online, which should provide more detail. When she called I wasn't prepared to ask many questions as I thought she was calling Monday. She mentioned something about dead cells under skin causing white areas. I will follow up when I get report. But it sure seemed like vitiligo to me, but even when she looked at it under black light, she said the areas weren't indicative of vitiligo as they weren't totally de-pigmented.

aphysicalwreck - I mentioned above, before I saw your post, that being in sun causes areas around white areas to get darker, making the areas look whiter. At least that is what she told me.

WBF - I have also read sun damage alone can cause "eraser head white spots" on skin. Don't know if you were in sun enough in your life for that to be the case.

k07 - Thanks for that tip on MDL. What does C6 elisa show and did you have actually have tests from MDL? I am about to try and sell my doctor on the idea of sending to MDL. I don't know why we have to get approval to use certain labs if we are paying for it. My insurance only pays for Labcorp.

jb - How big are the white spots? On me, they are more areas, but after dark light inspection, the dermatologist immediately said it is not indicative of vitiligo. The punch biopsy seemed to confirm that. When I get full report, I can give you more information, which may help you or possibly could give you some idea.

I should have asked her more questions, but wasn't prepared when she called.

k07 - From what I've read, c6 elisa is supposed to show increased sensitivity for Lyme Disease. I had not even heard of it until you mentioned the test. The prices at MDL are much better than Igenex or Armin, so I'm hoping to try those. Thanks for the heads up.

I figure it's worth a try if doctor will agree to MDL. Tired of paying $1,000 plus for tests I still am not sure about.

jb - I still am waiting for pathology report. Maybe that will have some subject matter that might be of assistance to you.