Who is Affected by Poikiloderma of Civatte?

Poikiloderma of Civatte is most common in fair-skinned individuals, especially postmenopausal women and those who spend extensive time in the sun. While it’s most noticeable in older adults, it can appear in anyone with light skin and high sun exposure. Due to the mild nature of the condition, many may not seek treatment, though it is a widespread concern.

Causes of Poikiloderma of Civatte

The exact cause of poikiloderma is not fully understood, but long-term sun exposure is thought to be a key factor. Other contributing factors include:

• Fair skin type(typically Fitzpatrick type I or II)
• Photosensitising skincare productsor perfumes that make the skin more reactive to sunlight
• Hormonal changes, particularly around menopause
• Genetic factors, which may increase susceptibility in some individuals

Clinical Features of Poikiloderma of Civatte

Poikiloderma of Civatte presents as reddish-brown pigmentation with a mix of light and dark patches, often seen on the sides of the neck and lateral cheeks. These patches typically have a symmetrical pattern and avoid the shaded area beneath the chin, highlighting areas most exposed to the sun.

Effective Treatments for Poikiloderma of Civatte

At our clinic, we offer BroadBand Light (BBL) treatment, an advanced laser therapy that targets both redness and pigmentation associated with poikiloderma. For more persistent pigmentation, we may recommend combining BBL with the Halo laser, which can address deeper pigmentation and skin texture.

Treatment Benefits:

• BBL: Treats both pigmentation and visible blood vessels, improving overall skin tone and reducing discoloration.
• Halo Laser: For deeper, stubborn pigmentation, this fractional laser can provide a more intensive treatment by targeting multiple skin layers.