Blind loop syndrome (BLS), also known as stagnant loop syndrome, is a state that occurs when the normal bacterial flora of the small intestine proliferates to numbers that cause significant derangement to the normal physiological processes of digestion and absorption. In some cases of blind loop syndrome, overgrowth of pathogenic non-commensal bacteria has also been noted. It has long been understood that from birth, and throughout life, large amounts of bacteria reside symbiotically within animal gastrointestinal tracts such as the human gastrointestinal tract. The understanding of this gut flora has even led to novel treatments for bowel irregularity that utilize  so called "probiotics" or good bacteria that aid in normal digestion. The problem of BLS arises when the bacterial colonies residing in the upper gastrointestinal tract begin to grow out of control or are altered in their makeup thereby creating a burden on the normal physiological processes occurring in the small intestine. This results in problems, among others, of:  vitamin B12 deficiency, fat malabsorption and steatorrhea, fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies and intestinal wall injury. Symptoms and signs
Most of the symptoms of BLS are non specific but nevertheless warrant the utmost attention.
Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis is characterised by multiple small whitish flat spots. They are typically irregular, well defined and frequently appear on the arms, legs and face of older people.It occurs in up to 80% of over 70-year olds. Females may notice them at a younger age than males. See also
List of cutaneous conditions
Skin lesion


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