Overview
Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria (DUH) is a rare inherited skin condition that causes patches of both darker and lighter skin to appear all over the body. The name comes from Greek and Latin words meaning 'abnormal coloring of the whole body.' It is sometimes called universal dyschromatosis. The condition develops because the cells that give skin its color (called melanocytes) do not work properly in certain areas, leading to a mixed pattern of hyperpigmented (darker) and hypopigmented (lighter) spots scattered across the skin. The patches usually appear in early childhood and can affect the face, trunk, arms, and legs. The skin changes are generally not painful or itchy, but they can be very noticeable and may cause emotional distress or self-consciousness, especially in children and teenagers. In some cases, DUH has been linked to other health issues such as hearing loss, eye problems, or neurological features, though many people have only the skin changes. There is currently no cure for DUH. Treatment focuses on managing the appearance of the skin and protecting affected areas from sun exposure. Camouflage makeup and sunscreen are commonly used. Emotional support and counseling can also be very helpful. Genetic counseling is recommended for affected families to understand the risk of passing the condition to children.
Key symptoms:
Mixed patches of darker and lighter skin spread across the bodySkin color changes that appear in early childhoodSpots on the face, arms, legs, and trunkNo pain or itching from the skin patchesIncreased sensitivity to sunlight in lighter patchesPossible hearing loss in some casesPossible eye problems such as sensitivity to lightPossible neurological features in rare casesSkin changes that tend to be stable or slowly progress over timeEmotional distress or low self-esteem related to visible skin differences
Clinical phenotype terms (9)— hover any for plain English
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Childhood
Begins in childhood, roughly ages 1 to 12
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Which gene is causing DUH in my family, and what does that mean for my children or siblings?,Should I have my hearing and vision checked regularly because of this condition?,What type of sunscreen and sun protection do you recommend for the lighter patches on my skin?,Are there any treatments — such as laser therapy — that might help reduce the appearance of the patches?,Where can I find a support group or counseling for people with visible skin differences?,How often should I come back for follow-up appointments, and what changes in my skin should prompt me to call sooner?,Are there any clinical trials or new research studies I should know about for DUH?
Common questions about Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria
What is Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria?
Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria (DUH) is a rare inherited skin condition that causes patches of both darker and lighter skin to appear all over the body. The name comes from Greek and Latin words meaning 'abnormal coloring of the whole body.' It is sometimes called universal dyschromatosis. The condition develops because the cells that give skin its color (called melanocytes) do not work properly in certain areas, leading to a mixed pattern of hyperpigmented (darker) and hypopigmented (lighter) spots scattered across the skin. The patches usually appear in early childhood and can affec
At what age does Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria typically begin?
Typical onset of Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria is childhood. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria?
15 specialists and care centers treating Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.