White Spots on Skin: Possible Causes & Treatments

Any white spots on skin should be taken seriously and assessed by a doctor right away to prevent them from getting worse and spreading. You could start to question why this is happening but all you should do is avoid panic and see a dermatologist. White spots are also referred to as depigmentation of the skin and if you treat your skin disease with self-medication, you may be aggravating the problem.

You should be aware that the only things that count at first are professional guidance and appropriate care. Therefore, make it a point to see a doctor as soon as you see any skin spots.

Possible Causes of White Spots on Skin

Small white spots on skin or face can occur due to a number of medical problems and other reasons. The following are common causes of white spots on skin:

1. Mycosis

Small white spots on skin are generally triggered by mycosis, a fungal condition commonly known as pityriasis versicolor or tinea versicolor. These patches may itch intensely and have a tendency to migrate to other parts of the body.

It is also referred to as “beach” mycosis since the white spots are more noticeable when the skin is sun-tanned. Although the fungus that causes this mycosis is normally present on the skin, it has the potential to overgrow and produce white patches on face, neck, or back.

2. Peeling from Sun Exposure

People with lighter or olive skin typically tan after a day at the beach or swimming pool but overexposure to the sun can cause skin to peel a few days later. Small white spots on skin might develop as a result of skin that has peeled, notably on the arms, chest, and back.

3. Atopic Dermatitis or Atopic Eczema

Skin inflammation known as atopic dermatitis most frequently affects infants, though it can affect people of any age. Dermatitis typically results in red bumps, patches, or lumps but as they go away, they might leave behind white spots on skin.

4. White Freckles

Lighter-skinned people are more prone to developing numerous small white spots on skin as they age, especially on their hands, arms, and legs. People with fair skin or those who have spent a lot of time in the sun without protection commonly experience this.

5. Vitiligo

Large white spots on skin, on the face, or even inside the mouth may occur as a result of this illness. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is thought to be the result of a genetic mutation or an autoimmune condition in which your body begins to target its own melanocytes.

6. Hypomelanosis

A skin disease known as hypomelanosis causes specific body parts to look paler than the person’s overall skin color. With sun exposure, the affected skin can become better but it will usually be paler than the rest of the body. People with allergies are more likely to have this change in their skin.

7. Tuberous Sclerosis 

Tuberous sclerosis, sometimes called Bourneville disease, is distinguished by the emergence of white patches all over the body. These patches can appear in different numbers and are often initially noticed in infants or young children under the age of six.

White Spots on Skin Treatment

So, if you’ve noticed a white patch on your skin, you should first see a dermatologist to learn more about your skin’s condition. However, there are a few strategies to prevent the white patches from expanding to other areas of your body. All you have to do to avoid white patches is to abide by the tips mentioned below.

1. When faced with a stressful situation, try not to stress out too much and instead relax.
2. Avoid using bath soaps that completely remove your body’s oil.
3. Take a 20-minute minimum daily bath.
4. Spend 15 to 20 minutes standing in the morning light.
5. Avoid applying creams or cosmetics to which you have allergies.
6. Include iron-rich foods like meat, grains, beans, and green vegetables in your diet.
7. Steer clear of overindulging in seafood.
8. If you are receiving treatment for leucoderma, you must stop eating any foods high in salt or sodium.

Conclusion

The majority of white spots on skin are not very problematic. Even so, it’s crucial to get a diagnosis from a doctor or dermatologist, particularly if the white spots expand or stop improving with home treatment after a few weeks. Even though a white spot on your skin doesn’t itch or hurt, you should still keep an eye on it. Your doctor may suggest products to potentially restore pigmentation if you seek early treatment.