Table of Contents
White Spots on the Skin
White spots on the skin link to factors ranging from a superficial fungal infection to skin viruses such as atopic dermatitis or vitiligo. White spots on the skin usually appear when skin proteins or dead cells get trapped below the skin surface. They can also rise as a result of depigmentation or loss of colour.
White patches on the skin are usually not a cause for concern and do not cause any significant symptoms. However, it is crucial to have white spots check by a dermatologist to determine their cause and the best way to treat them.
Some possible causes of white spots on the skin and their proper treatment are:
1. Fungus on the skin
Fungus on the skin, popularly called “beach fungus,” is one of the leading causes of white spots on the skin. Mycosis in the skin is an infection caused by a fungus that produces bumps that may or may not itch and spread over large areas of the body. Despite the name “beach fungus,” it is very likely that the person already had this mycosis before going to the beach because the area affected by this fungus does not tan. Usually, the fungus that causes this mycosis lives naturally in the skin. Still, due to some alteration, it multiplies and inhibits melanin production in the area. It gives rise to the typical spots affecting the back, trunk, or arms.
2. Sun Spots
Sometimes people with fair or dark skin get a tan when they go to the beach or the pool, and after a few days, the skin peels off. Small white spots on the skin appear, especially on the arms, chest, and back. The idea is to hydrate the skin for about ten days before going to the beach and eat foods amusing in Vitamin A, such as carrots, tomatoes, boiled eggs, papaya, and mango because the skin is more hydrated. There is less risk of peeling and getting stained.
3. Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a category of skin allergy that arises in babies, being very common in childhood. However, it can also affect adults, leaving arid whitish areas on the skin that itch and peel.
What to do: The dermatologist may prescribe corticosteroids. In addition to this, the patient must keep the skin hydrated, being able to take an antihistamine to relieve itching.
4. White Freckles
Light brown people can develop several tiny white freckles that can appear on the hands, arms, or legs, especially after age 40. It usually arises in people with fair skin exposed to the sun for several years without sunscreen.
Protect your skin from the sun by exhausting sunscreen when you go to the beach or pool or in direct sunlight for more than 15 minutes. Wearing a cap and gloves can also be obliging in avoiding the sun’s rays from aggravating skin lesions.
5. Vitiligo
It is a disease in which large white spots appear on the skin, affecting the mouth. The cause is not fully known but alleges to be due to a genetic mutation or some change in the immune system where the body fights melanocytes.
A doctor may prescribe treatments such as phototherapy or creams and ointments with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants to determine the best option for each case. One of the drugs shown is Melagenina plus, which stimulates the production of melanocytes and melanin, unifying skin pigmentation.
6. Hypo melanosis
Hypo melanosis, also known as macular hypo melanosis, is a condition in which body parts become lighter. Although sunlight improves the contrast, the affected areas remain more delicate than the rest of the body. This type of skin change is more common in people with allergies.
Although it doesn’t require special treatment, early morning or late afternoon sun exposure can help try to even out a person’s skin tone.
7. Tuberous Sclerosis
Also known as Barnwell syndrome or epilevia, it is characterises by the appearance of isolated white spots that can touch any part of the body, being more frequent on the trunk. They are often identified in infants or children up to 6 years of age and may have one or more than 100 spots scattered over the body.
8. Malnutrition
Lack of absorption or util-utilisation of specific vitamins and minerals can also cause white spots on the skin. The primary vitamins and minerals that can cause this phenomenon when found in low amounts in the body are calcium, vitamin D, and E. Changing eating habits and preference for these nutrients is essential in these cases. Such as milk and its derivatives, sardines, butter, and almonds.
Conclusion
Suppose the cause of the appearance of white spots on the skin is worms. In that case, they must identify in a parasitological examination of the stool, and treatment can complete using antiparasitic drugs.
