What Causes White Spots on Skin?

The white spots on the skin, also known as tinea versicolor, don’t only just appear as white spots. They can also be shades of pink, red, and even brown. They are more noticeable on darker skin and could get larger over time. DCSI wants to share the symptoms of these spots, which could include       :  

• Itching
• Scaling
• Dryness

  Microscopic yeast lives on everyone's skin. Tinea versicolor is the overgrowth of that yeast. It is not clear why it happens, but there are many different conditions that could cause them:  

• Excessive sweating
• Oily skin
• Humid or warm conditions
• A weakened immune system
• Sunspots

  Most commonly, people living in tropical climates and teenagers are more susceptible than people in other age groups because of their oily skin.    Commonly affected areas:  

• Face
• Scalp
• Hands
• Feet
• Elbows
• Eyelids
• Wrists
• Back of the knees

 

How to Get Rid of White Spots on Skin?

The type of white spot and the cause will determine the treatment. There are many things like tinea versicolor ointment and other topical options. Besides changing skin color, sunspots don’t typically have many symptoms, which is why they often go untreated. For those who want to treat it, here are a few options:  

• Wearing sunscreen every day (tinted sunscreen is available as a makeup option)
• Try not to spend too much time in the sun
• Avoid artificial tanning beds
• Dermabrasion to remove the outer layers of skin
• Topical steroid creams 
• Topical retinoid creams

  For tinea versicolor, there are over-the-counter antifungal shampoos, washes, soaps, and creams that are usually the first option for treatment. Most medicines include selenium sulfide, pyrithione zinc, or ketoconazole. Once the symptoms start to fade, the treatment can be cut down to about once a month if the person lives in a hotter climate.    There are also some risks factors in having white spots on the skin that our Delray dermatologist should check out:  

• Family history of these markings
• Some types of cancer
• A weak immune system 
• Taking medications that weaken the immune system

Contact Us

Click here to make an appointment if you have any spots you are concerned about, or contact us today to ask any questions.