White Patches On Skin Pictures
Whether they are patches, splotches, small spots or dots, it can be difficult to identify the exact symptom or distinguish it from other skin discoloration disorders. Here are photos, images and pictures of white spots on the skin. The common areas of the body affected are the upper back, shins, shoulders, upper forearms, face and even around eyes. Some people may get these patches on the inner thighs.
Nevus Depigmentosus And Halo Mole
Nevus depigmentosus is a congenital disorder characterized by a white patch that is non-progressive hypopigmented macule. It is said to be stable and remains fairly the same size throughout different stages of life.
Halo nevus or halo mole on the other hand is a mole that has lost its pigment and hence appears to be a raised white bump on skin. According to DermNet, these moles are benign and occur mostly in adolescents from the age of 15 years.
White Spots On Skin Dots Patches Pictures Small Fungus Sun Causes Treatment & Home Remedies
White spots on skin usually occur in the form of small dots or as patches. There are many possible causes of white spots on your skin, including sun and fungus. The white spots can be unsightly, especially when they appear in open parts of your body such as your face, as the pictures inserted in this post show. However, you can get rid of them with medical treatments and home remedies, depending on what causes them.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Tinea Versicolor
Acidic bleach from the growing yeast causes areas of skin to be a different color than the skin around them. These can be individual spots or patches. Specific signs and symptoms of the infection include:
- Patches that are white, pink, red, or brown and may be lighter or darker than the skin around them.
- Spots that donât tan the way the rest of your skin does.
- Spots that show up more boldly when you do tan.
- Spots that may occur anywhere on your body but are most commonly seen on your neck, chest, back, and arms.
- Spots that are dry and scaly and may itch or hurt, although this is rare.
The spots may disappear during cool weather and get worse during warm and humid weather.
Similar conditions
Some skin problems have symptoms that look like tinea versicolor, including:
- Vitiligo: a disease that makes you lose your skin color
- Pityriasis rosea: a rash that causes small spots that fan out on your body in the shape of a tree
These conditions have features that clue your doctor in to what you have, such as texture and rash pattern.
Differences Between Pityriasis Versicolor And Vitiligo
Pityriasis versicolor can sometimes be confused with vitiligo, as they both cause the skin to become discoloured in patches.
But there are ways to tell the difference:
- vitiligo often develops symmetrically , while pityriasis versicolor may not
- skin affected by vitiligo usually has a normal texture, while areas affected by pityriasis versicolor are usually slightly scaly or flaky
- vitiligo is more common around the mouth, eyes, fingers, wrists, armpits and groin, while pityriasis versicolor tends to develop on the back, chest, upper arms, neck and tummy
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When To See A Doctor
White spots in general are not a cause of concern and mostly go away on their own. You can follow the doctor-prescribed medicines, ointments, or creams to treat them.
However, if you are not sure about the symptoms, notice any changes in the appearance of the spots, or experience pain or severe itching, see your doctor immediately to diagnose and prevent any possible underlying conditions.
White Spots On Face Dots Patches Small Pictures Causes Get Rid Treatment & Home Remedies
White spots on face are usually small dots or patches of discoloration. They may be raised or flat and may be itchy or not. They may disfigure your appearance and hence lower your self-esteem. Can vitamin deficiency, skin fungus and exposure to sun result in white spots, dots or patches on face? Explore the possible causes of white spots on your face and their pictures. It is important to note that you can get rid of the spots on your face using various effective treatments and home remedies.
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White Patches And Splotches On Face Back Legs And Arms
What parts of the body are the most affected with white spots on skin? Most people suffer from skin pigment loss on joints such as knees and elbows face, neck, legs and upper arms. White splotches on skin and small raised dots are common on parts that are directly exposed to sun rays. If you visit tanning booths and beds, you are also likely to get these.
White spots and patches on the face, neck and upper shoulders are majorly a cosmetic problem. They can cause loss of confidence and such discomforts. In such cases, surgical skin graft and other treatments can help solve the problem.
White Spots On Face Pictures
How do white spots, marks or patches on the face look like? Clear pictures or images are included in this post to show you how various skin conditions with white marks appear. These pictures can also help you to understand and be familiar with how white spots on the skin look like.
In addition, you can use these pictures as a guide to know the type of spots affecting your skin. However, do not use these pictures as a guide for medical treatment without the help of your doctor.
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Hypopigmented Spots That Are Not Vitiligo
If the spots are not truly white, but hypopigmented and not depigmented , then they are NOT vitiligo and could be any number of different diseases and conditions. Ill list a few of the most common ones here. Both IGH and nevus depigmentosus can also be hypopigmented instead of depigmented. They look similar and are located on the same areas of the body. Nevus anemicus is a common birthmark that looks lighter than surrounding skin, although it is actually not different in pigment at all. It is due to a lower blood supply to that area of skin, so it is less pink than surrounding skin and thus looks lighter. It actually disappears completely for a few seconds when you apply pressure to the area because the surrounding blood in the vessels is pressed out. It reappears once the blood rushes back into it. Individuals with tuberous sclerosis can have light areas of skin called ash leaf spots, but they usually have other more cleare signs of this condition as well. Occasionally, darker skin from melasma can make it look like the normal skin is lighter, and thus could look a little like vitiligo.
Melasma
Tinea versicolor causes lighter spots on the chest and back, get scaly if scratched with a fingernail, and are caused by a common fungus that isnt dangerous. Its easily treated with an antifungal therapy.
Tinea versicolor
Progressive macular hypomelanosis looks a lot like tinea versicolor but without the scale, most commonly affecting the chest and back.
Pityriasis albaMorphea
Truly Depigmented Spots That Are Not Vitiligo
If the spots enhance under Woods lamp, they could be from vitiligo or a small number of other conditions. One is idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis , or small spots that appear on skin that has had chronic sun exposure .
idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis
Often these are hypopigmented, not depigmented , but sometimes they are depigmented and enhance on Woods lamp. If they are evenly distributed , remain small , and are on the right areas of the body, then theyre probably IGH and not vitiligo.
Another condition that rarely causes a true white spot is nevus depigmentosus, which is a birthmark that usually appears within the first few months of life, has jagged edges, usually doesnt turn the hair white, and doesnt grow in size like vitiligo it may get larger as the child grows and the skin stretches, but not quickly the way vitiligo does .
Nevus Depigmentosus
If your dermatologist isnt sure if the spot is nevus depigmentosus or segmental vitiligo, a biopsy can tell for sure, but its not always necessary. I guess that albinism should be mentioned here, although that is present at birth and results in no skin color at all , so its pretty easy to distinguish.
Albinism
Finally, piebaldism causes depigmentation localized to just the front of the body , includes a white forelock or white hair at the front of the scalp, is present from birth, and usually runs in families. Thats about it for true white spots!
Piebaldism
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White Spots From Sun Damage
While the above skin conditions are mostly through no fault of the sufferer, white spots on the skin caused by sun damage are definitely preventable. In this case, the skin has been so affected by the UV rays that it stops producing melanin â the skin chemical that gives it color.
While these spots are caused by too much sun, they are not skin cancer. However, they can be a good indication that you are spending too much time in the sun and are likely to be a sign that you might have other moles on your skin that you should keep an eye on.
While white spots on the skin may in most causes be nothing to worry about, they may indicate that you need to take a little more care of your skin. Using sunscreen, avoiding trigger foods and generally caring for your skin can help to avoid these white spots and will keep your skin looking healthy.
How Are White Patches On Skin Treated
Treatment of white skin patches depends on the underlying cause. The goal is to address any underlying cause and return pigment to the skin, if possible.
Repigmentation is often possible with timely diagnosis and treatment. Congenital conditions that cause hypopigmentation are less likely to respond to treatment.
Potential treatments include:
- Depigmentation: This involves lightening the surrounding skin to make the spots less noticeable. This may be an option for people with vitiligo on more than half of their skin surface.
- Medications: These include antifungals, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and vitamin A derivatives.
- This involves aiming ultraviolet rays at the white patches to help darken the skin.
- Surgical procedures: One example is skin grafting with pieces of skin that have a usual pigmentation.
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Common Causes And Treatments For White Spots On Skin
White spots on the skin can be caused by a variety of conditions, including allergies and nutritional deficiencies.
Generally, a white patch on your skin isnt a cause for concern, says Cynthia Wilson, DO, a family medicine physician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center Carlsbad.
If you have questions or concerns talk to your primary care provider. Skin discoloration can be triggered by a variety of causes, so check with your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment options.
What causes white dry patches on skin?
The most common causes of dry white patches on the skin are eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis and nutritional deficiencies.
Eczema
Eczema
Eczema is a chronic, probably genetic, inflammatory skin condition that causes the skin to become inflamed or irritated and often results in a patch of skin that is lighter in pigment than the skin around it.
Eczema is especially common in children, says Dr. Wilson. They often outgrow it, but some people continue to have symptoms on and off throughout their lives.
Eczema is always itchy, and sometimes itching will start before a rash appears, most often on the face, back of knees, wrists, hands or feet. The areas may appear dry, thickened or scaly, and sometimes the skin can blister. Many people with eczema have allergies as well.
The right treatment will depend on your age, medical history and severity of your symptoms, says Dr. Wilson. Your doctor can determine what is best for you.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Psoriasis
When Should You Contact Your Doctor
If you develop symptoms of tinea versicolor, you may choose to treat the condition yourself. Over-the-counter antifungal medications can eliminate discolored patches of skin. However, you should contact your doctor if these treatments arent effective. You may need a prescription medication to control your symptoms.
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Iron Chlorosis And Manganese Deficit
Iron produces enzymes and chlorophyll, which your mint relies on to stay healthy. Chlorosis results from a loss of chlorophyll and a green hue.
The main vein is green, but the leaves turn white. Manganese deficiency causes iron deficiency and is essential for photosynthesis to occur.
The symptoms are like iron chlorosis however, manganese deficiency is more noticeable on fresher, upper leaves because of its immobility in the plant.
What Is The Difference Between Tinea Versicolor And Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes light spots on your skin. Its often mistaken for tinea versicolor. There are some differences between the two conditions. The spots caused by vitiligo are smooth, while tinea versicolor spots can have a scaly texture. Vitiligo also tends to affect different areas from tinea versicolor. Its likely to appear on your face, eyes, mouth, fingers and hands. An autoimmune condition causes vitiligo, but a fungal infection causes tinea versicolor.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Tinea versicolor can be a nuisance and make you feel insecure. Luckily, the discoloration it creates on your skin is highly treatable with over-the-counter antifungal creams or shampoos. Using them daily for several weeks can help you manage the infection. Your healthcare provider can also prescribe stronger antifungal medications for more severe tinea versicolor or recurring infections. Talk to your healthcare provider about any questions you have about tinea versicolor. Theyre there to help you and get you feeling more confident in your skin again.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/13/2022.
References
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Sunspots Or Guttate Hypomelanosis
Sunspots are white spots where skin pigment has been lost.
These spots usually cause no symptoms, are 13 millimeters in size, and tend to appear first on the legs before progressing to the arms, upper back, and face.
Researchers are not sure what causes sunspots. Causes might include a lack of a skin pigment called melanin. Sunspots also seem to run in families. They are more likely to appear after the age of 40 years.
However, they are harmless, and treating them is a cosmetic issue.
While overexposure to the sun without protection can contribute to the risk of skin cancer, sunspots in themselves do not suggest the development of cancer.
What If The Home Remedy For Tinea Versicolor Doesn’t Work
If shampoo doesn’t work, call your childs doctor. A provider can typically diagnose tinea versicolor just by looking at your child’s skin with a special lamp . Sometimes, doctors scrape a small sample of skin from one of the discolored patches and look at it under a microscope a procedure that is completely painless.
If it is tinea versicolor, the doctor will probably prescribe a topical antifungal medicine. If the case is severe, or the topical treatment doesn’t work, the doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication.
To prevent tinea versicolor from spreading further:
- Keep the skin cool and dry.
- Dress your child in loose clothing and avoid hot, humid air.
- Apply sunscreen whenever your child is exposed to the sun.
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Who Gets Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor affects many people worldwide. Its unclear why yeast overgrows on some peoples skin and not others. People living in tropical or subtropical regions are most at risk for tinea versicolor. Its common during the summer months in temperate climates and around puberty when your skins oil glands are more active.
You may be at higher risk if you have a weak immune system. This may happen if you take medications like corticosteroids or have medical conditions like diabetes. People who are pregnant are more susceptible to tinea versicolor because of hormonal changes.
Can White Spots Be Caused By Worms
With a worm infection, it is possible to have an impairment in the absorption of vitamins and nutrients through digestion, and this can cause white spot on the skin. However, white spots do not always appear with worm infections. Some food can also cause white spots on the skin, especially those with calcium, vitamin D and vitamin E, like milk, sardines, butter and peanuts.
If the cause of white spots on the skin is actually a worm infection, this should be confirmed with a stool sample so that treatment can be initiated.
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How To Get Rid Of White Spots On Skin
White marks on the skin can be removed by different treatment method based on how the condition appears. Harmless white dots or patches on the skin such as from yeast infection, vitiligo and poor nutrition can be removed by home remedies.
For the case of serious skin problems such as skin cancer, Pityriasis Alba, and chronic sun damage, medical treatment is the best alternative you can go for. It is advisable to seek medical help in case white spots on your skin are becoming bothersome.
Vitiligo White Splotches On Skin
Vitiligo on hands courtesy of Wikipedia
Vitiligo develops when cells called melanocytes die. Melanocytes give your skin and hair color. It causes the skin to lose its pigment in patches or blotches. This skin disease is chronic and starts to show symptoms slowly as parts of the skin start to become lighter than the rest of the skins complexion.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the loss of skin color or pigment may not be limited to the skin alone. Parts of the body with hair may be affected as well. Patients may exhibit white patches on skin and hair depending on the affected area.
There are two main types of vitiligo: segmental vitiligo and non-segmental vitiligo. Segmental vitiligo affects only one side of the body while non-segmental vitiligo affects skin on both sides such as both knees or both hands.
- The risk of vitiligo skin pigment loss is high in people with autoimmune disease.
- It occurs equally in people of all races and skin colors.
- Vitiligo rarely disappears once one gets its symptoms of skin depigmentation.
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