What Causes White Patches on Skin? A Comprehensive Guide

Our skin is a sensitive organ that can be affected by many external or internal factors. If you notice any irregularities on your skin, like white patches or spots, it is important to know what they are and what causes them before you self-diagnose them as a serious skin disorder. Some white patches go away on their own while others may last for a long time and expand in size too. So, if you have white patches and you are concerned about them, don’t worry. This blog will help you clearly understand the causes of white patches on your skin.

What Are White Patches?

Small patches or spots on your skin that are white/light in color are called white patches. Some people may have different sizes of white patches that can also grow large over the years. White patches can be found anywhere on your body and can spread more if they are caused by a certain skin condition.

Should I be Concerned If I Have White Patches?

If you have some white patches on your skin for a short time, you don’t need to worry about them. You should be concerned if the white spots do not clear up even after many weeks. White patches are harmless, but if they are itchy or disrupt your daily life, it can be a concerning issue.

Symptoms of White Patches

• Skin Pigmentation: An easily noticeable symptom of white patches is, you guessed it–white patches. These are also called spots that can be white in color or lighter than the natural color of your skin. So, if you see any pale spots on your body, it is one of the symptoms of white patches.
• Change of Skin Texture: Some white patches are due to a specific skin condition like tinea versicolor. During the winter season, when your skin becomes dry, the white patches can have a dry or scaly texture too.
• Skin Itchiness: White patches that are caused by fungal infections can make the skin itchy. So, if you feel any irritation on your skin and if there are white spots, it can be due to a fungal infection.
• Spreading of White Spots: If you have vitiligo, the white patches can spread over time or very fast. Spreading of the white spots is another symptom from which you can tell the cause of white patches.

What Causes White Patches on Skin?

• Eczema: For people who have allergies, white patches on the skin can be caused by eczema. Your skin may also become dry, itchy, and inflamed. The white spots can aslo discharge fluids if you scratch them.
• Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis (IGH): White patches on the skin can be caused if the area receives more sun exposure. For example, if your arms and legs have white spots, it can be due to IGH.
• Tinea Versicolor: If the white spot is fully white or slightly lighter than your skin color, it can be due to tinea versicolor. It happens when you have oily skin, there is humid air, when you sweat more, and have a weak immune system.
• Vitiligo: This autoimmune disease can cause white spots on various parts of the body. Vitiligo also happens becuase of genetics and spreads gradually or rapidly. Some triggers of this are exposure to the sun or other chemicals.
• Pityriasis Alba: This is another condition that is related to eczema and white patches are seen as scaly spots on the face, especially on the cheeks and chin. These spots can be out of shape, round, or oval.
• Lichen Sclerosus: If you have a hormonal imbalance or an overactive immune system, white patches can be found on the genitals and other areas of the body. Lichen Sclerosus also causes difficulty in urination, blisters, bleeding, etc.

Treatments That Are Available For Various White Spots

• Eczema: You can apply over-the-counter medications for allergy relief that can help you reduce itching. Always keep the skin moisturized to prevent flare-ups.
• Tinea Versicolor: Use antifungal topical medications, especially in humid conditions to control the white patches.
• Pityriasis Alba: Treatments for Pityriasis Alba include Moisturizing creams, non-steroidal creams, etc that can be applied on the white spots.
• Vitiligo: UV therapy or cosmetics can help you manage visible white spots on your body to some extent.
• Lichen Sclerosus: Topical lotions and creams are used to manage white patches on your skin and reduce irritation.
• IGH: To prevent white spots from IGH, take some preventative measures like applying sunscreen to reduce skin exposure to the sun.

When You Should See A Doctor

As we discussed in the beginning of this blog, you do not need to be concerned due to some white patches if they appear for a short time. You should see a skin doctor if the white patches are itchy and spreading fast. It is always better to consult a doctor to find out the reasons for your white spots if they stay for a long time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many reasons for white patches like eczema, tinea versicolor, vitiligo, pityriasis alba, IGH, and lichen sclerosus. You can try some treatments like oral medication or topical application, and even see a doctor to find the exact cause and receive advanced treatment.