Why do white spots appear on my skin
Having white spots appear on your skin can be a little concerning but the good news is, they’re usually harmless. In this article we’ll look at the various symptoms, causes and treatments of white skin spots and offer some recommendations on good skincare.
Symptoms, causes and treatments of white spots on skin.
White spots on skin can have various causes, ranging from simple sunspots and fungal infections to skin pigmentation conditions and autoimmune disorders.
Sunspots (guttate hypomelanosis)
Symptoms: Sunspots are a common condition that appear as small, flat, white spots on the skin, usually the sun-exposed parts of the body. They appear more frequently with increasing age. They’re a harmless condition and the only concern is how they look.
Causes: Skin ageing, sun exposure, genetic factors.
Treatments: Cosmetics (foundations and concealers) can help conceal the affected areas. Other treatments might include cryotherapy (repigmentation), topical treatments (steroid, tacrolimus, retinoids) and procedural treatments (chemical peel, excimer laser, skin grafting).
Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
Symptoms: Eczema symptoms can appear in many different variations. It can cause white itchy spots on skin, dry, scaly patches on the skin that may appear white or lighter than the surrounding skin or as red, swollen itchy skin or appear as small liquid-filled blisters that weep. Symptoms commonly appear on the face, neck, the inside of the knees and elbows, but can also affect other areas of the body.
Causes: The cause of atopic dermatitis isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to be related to a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors.
Treatment: There is no known cure for eczema but there are measures you can take to manage and ease the symptoms such as:
- Moisturising regularly to prevent dryness. Choose gentle, fragrance-free products to avoid irritation
- Topical Corticosteroids to reduce the symptoms during flare-ups.
- Wear soft, breathable fabrics and avoid wool and synthetic materials.
Pityriasis alba
Symptoms: Pityriasis alba is a skin condition that causes dry white spots on skin and scaly patches on the face. It is more common in children and is often related to dry skin.
Causes: The specific causes of pityriasis alba are unknown. It is often associated with dry skin, atopic dermatitis and exposure to the sun.
Treatment: There is no known cure but various treatments can help with the symptoms, such as moisturising creams to improve the appearance of dry patches. Mild topical steroids may be prescribed.
Fungal infection (tinea versicolor)
Symptoms: This is a fungus that lives on the skin’s surface causing dry, scaly, white itchy spots on the skin. It can cause patches of lighter skin on a dark-skinned person and darker patches on a light-skinned person.
Causes: It is caused by a fungus called Malassezia which grows excessively on the skin.
Treatment: This fungal infection is treated with topical antifungal agents such as:
selenium sulfide shampoo, topical azole cream/shampoo and terbinafine gel.
Vitiligo
Symptoms: Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes loss of pigmentation in the skin, leading to white spots on the skin or light-coloured patches. It occurs when the melanocytes, which are the cells that produce pigment, are destroyed.
Causes: Vitiligo occurs when the melanocytes, which are the cells that produce pigment, are destroyed.
Treatment: Vitiligo is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, but it can be managed with treatments like topical corticosteroids, light therapy, or surgery.
Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation
Symptoms: This can occur after an injury or inflammation to the skin, such as acne, psoriasis, or a rash. It can cause the affected area to become lighter or white.
Causes: This condition can be caused by any form of trauma or damage to the skin.
Treatment: This condition is harmless but cosmetics (foundations and concealers) can help cover the affected areas.
Autoimmune disorders (Scleroderma, lupus)
Symptoms: Diagnosing Scleroderma or lupus is difficult as their symptoms overlap. The symptoms of these two conditions are not limited to the skin. Other symptoms can include joint and muscle pain, extreme tiredness and weakness, headaches and flu-like symptoms. Lupus and scleroderma can cause white patches on the skin.
Causes: Immune system disorder.
Treatment: There is no known cure for either condition but there are therapies available to treat specific symptoms.
What vitamin is missing that may cause white spots to appear on my skin?
While there is no specific vitamin deficiency associated with causing white spots on the skin, there are several vitamins and minerals that are important for healthy skin, and a deficiency in any of them can contribute to skin problems. Some of the key vitamins and minerals for skin health include:
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays a key role in skin health, and a deficiency can contribute to a range of skin problems, including psoriasis and vitiligo. Your skin synthesises vitamin D from exposure to the sun, so short daily exposure to sun can be beneficial (check with your doctor first if you have any existing conditions that might preclude this).
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It is also important for maintaining healthy skin cells.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is another antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It also plays a role in collagen production, which is important for skin elasticity.
- Zinc: Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a role in wound healing and helps to maintain healthy skin.
- Iron: Iron is important for healthy skin. Iron deficiency can lead to anaemia which can slow down wound healing.
How do I keep my skin performing at its healthy best?
Keeping your skin healthy and performing at its best requires a combination of good skincare habits, a healthy lifestyle, and protection from environmental stressors. Here are some tips to help keep your skin healthy:
Cleanse and moisturise regularly
Cleansing helps to remove dirt, oil, and impurities from your skin, while moisturising helps to keep it hydrated and nourished. Choose products that are appropriate for your skin type. At Sanex, we create products specifically suited to different skin types to help keep your skin performing at its healthy best. Here’s a small selection of some of our gentle cleansing products that you may want to consider using:
Sanex Zero% Normal Skin Bath Foam is a pure, caring bath foam for normal skin. It has been dermatologically tested and contains no sulfates, no soap or colourants to reduce the risk of skin irritations.
Sanex Expert Skin Health Moisturising Shower Gel is a moisturising shower gel for dry skin that gives your skin the hydration boost it needs. It contains no sulphates and respects your skin’s natural pH balance.
Sanex Expert Skin Health Pro Hydrate Shower Gel for very dry skin, deeply hydrates while boosting your skin’s natural defences by targeting bad bacteria helping to make it more resistant to external aggressors.
Sanex Expert Skin Health Hypoallergenic Shower Gel for sensitive skin has a soap and sulphate-free formula that minimises the risk of skin irritation. The formula contains a prebiotic and postbiotic complex that targets the bad bacteria on your skin, to help keep it healthy.
Protect your skin from overexposure to the sun
The sun's UV rays can cause damage to the skin, including premature ageing, dark spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Protect your skin by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours.
Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water is important for maintaining healthy skin, as it helps to keep the skin hydrated and flushes toxins from the body.
Eat a healthy diet
Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods can help to support healthy skin, as these foods are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Get enough sleep
Lack of sleep can lead to dull, tired-looking skin, and can also contribute to the development of fine lines and wrinkles. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Manage stress
Stress can have a negative impact on the skin, contributing to conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
Finally, it’s important to bear in mind that while white spots on the skin are usually harmless, they can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, particularly if they’re associated with other unpleasant symptoms. If you experience any unusual symptoms or have concerns about your skin, it's always best to consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
If you notice that your skin condition is worsening, it’s important to schedule a visit with a doctor to get the appropriate care.
