White Spots on Skin

White Spots on Skin: Tinea Versicolor

One of the most common fungal causes of white spots on the skin is tinea versicolor, which is caused by a yeast called Malassezia furfur. Most people have this yeast and it is harmless. It is related to the yeasts that cause athlete’s foot, jock itch and ringworm, but unlike those conditions, it is not contagious.

Tinea versicolor can manifest with either red, brown or white spots on the skin. The red and brown spots clear up far more quickly than the white, but all are harmless. They will mostly occur during times of high humidity and in anyone who has oily skin or has any issues with the immune or hormonal systems. An over-the-counter treatment such as Tinactin or Lotrimin can clear it up. Or, if you have white spots over a large area, you can use a selenium shampoo such as Selsun Blue. Even after the spots clear, you may want to do some regular washing with such a shampoo to help prevent their return.

Tanning Salons and White Spots

Whether from fungus or from the intensity of the exposure, many people who regularly visit tanning salons notice white spots on the skin. Certain prescriptions, such as birth control pills and oral acne medications, can interfere with the skin’s normal processes and make it more sensitive to light, which in turn can cause the skin to tan unevenly, resulting in white spots. Anyone taking such medications is probably wisest to avoid tanning salons. If the white spots are caused by a fungus, any over-the-counter antifungal cream will treat it within about two weeks, although you may still not tan evenly.

Pityriasis Alba

Similar to eczema, pityriasis alba is a skin disorder that can cause round or oval white patches on the skin, which are sometimes flaky. The patches usually appear on the face, upper arms, neck and torso and are most prevalent in children and teenagers, usually with dark skin. They are treated with prescription topical creams and do clear up, although they sometimes return.

Vitiligo

When white spots on skin become patches and spread, it is usually vitiligo, an often hereditary condition whereby the skin loses melanin. Anyone can be affected, but it usually manifests more strongly in people with darker skin. While there is no cure, active treatment can slow the loss of pigment. Unfortunately, although there are a number of theories, what actually causes vitiligo is as yet unknown.

Skin Damage

White spots on skin can also be caused by skin damage, such as from burns, infections or a problem with a laser. This last is of particular note, because with the demand for laser hair removal or treatment for acne scars on the rise, more estheticians are getting a license to use a laser without having proper training or knowing how to properly assess a client’s skin. It is very important to get a recommendation for a laser specialist from a trusted source, such as your dermatologist.

Maintaining Skin Health

If you are prone to white spots for any reason, it is even more important for you to be vigilant about applying sunscreen all year round. Skin that doesn’t have the proper amount of melanin is more prone to permanent damage and requires good protection. Just using basic sun sense will keep you healthy – a strong sunblock, hat and clothes that cover your skin when out during the brightest parts of the day should do a lot to keep the white spots from returning..