White Spots on Skin

What are White spots which appear on the skin?

Human skin is very disposed to an assortment of conditions, with white spots being only one of many. In the majority of the cases, the problem of white spots is due to the loss of pigmentation in the skin. There are numerous conditions of the skin or disorders of pigmentation which can cause these white skin spots. The majority of individuals usually get these white spots on the skin anyplace on the body, but typically on the upper back, shoulders, neck, shins, and upper forearms. Most type of white spots normally do not cause any irritation, itching or hurting but still, they can be very noticeable on the tanned or dark skin, so most individuals find them distressing. These white spots on skin affect millions of people of every race as well as both sexes.

White Spots on Skin – Causes

Tinea Versicolor

This is a widespread non-cancerous or benign skin problem which is triggered by a form of yeast, identified as Malassezia. This condition is also known as pityriasis versicolor. When an area of the skin turns out to be oily, moist and warm, this yeast can overgrow the normal healthy flora of the skin and cause white spots on the skin. They may also be reddish-brown. These spots occur on the abdomen, upper arms, neck as well as thighs. This infection is not contagious.

Some of the causes that may lead to the formation of white spots on your skin include warm and humid weather, oily skin, excessive sweating, malnourishment, medications such as corticosteroids, or whatever causes the immune system to weaken as well as pregnancy.

Vitiligo

This is a common condition of the skin which affects about 1% to 2% of individuals around the globe. It consists of typically white patches of spots on the skin. It is instigated since vitiligo terminates the cells which create the pigment of the skin. It most often occurs in individuals with certain types of autoimmune syndromes such as pernicious anaemia, hyperthyroidism, as well as adrenocortical insufficiency, and alopecia aerate. Stress which distresses the immune system can also cause vitiligo. This condition often runs in families, so there is possibly a hereditary facet to it.

Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis

This condition causes white flat spots on the skin which usually measure about 2-5 mm in diameter. The cause of this condition is unknown. It often occurs in fair-skinned individuals, but it can occasionally arise in the darker skin also. It appears in the areas of the forearms which have lots of exposure to the sun and as well as the shins. It also appears on the neck, shoulders and face. These spots seem to be linked with the natural ageing process. They are usually smooth, but often can also be scaly. This condition appears to be connected with the normal ageing process, occurring in individuals over the age of 40. They seem to occur in women more than men. It is also believed that heredity can be involved since this skin problem does seem to run in families.

White Spots on Skin – Treatment

Tinea Versicolor

The skin problem can be treated with antifungal medicines like miconazole, terbinafine as well as clotrimazole, all of which can be bought over the counter. It can also be treated with a bottle of shampoo that is also available over the counter. This shampoo contains selenium sulfide. It is applied like lotion on the areas which are affected before bedtime and can be rinsed off in the morning upon waking up. If this condition lasts for more than two weeks even after being treated daily, it is best for the individual to contact a dermatologist as early as possible.

Vitiligo

There are many ways of treating vitiligo, for example, phototherapy, steroid creams, psoralen photochemotherapy, and skin grafting in the early stages, depigmentation treatment, immunomodulator creams with UVB Narrowband treatments, laser treatments and many others.

Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis

In the majority of cases, treatment is not necessary as the marks are harmless. Sometimes attempts to destroy the lesions can leave brown marks or white marks which are more substantial, which can look worse than the condition when it is left alone. Sun protection is important. The following measures can improve the appearance:

• Light Cryotherapy
• Pinch grafts or normally pigmented skin
• Localized superficial dermabrasion or microdermabrasion
• Tretinoin cream
• Cosmetic cover-up
• Topical steroids

White Spots on Skin Pictures

White spots on skin near eye neck region white spots on skin - hands

on hands