white spots on the skin can be caused by many different conditions, such as vitiligo, which is a long-term condition in which white patches form on the skin.
But while white patches on the skin can be caused by many different conditions, they usually are not a cause for concern.
Causes and symptoms of white spots on the skin
tinea versicolor
Tinea versicolor can appear as white patches or patches in shades of pink, red, and brown. They are more noticeable on darker skin and can enlarge over time. These spots can appear with symptoms such as itching, scaly skin and dryness. Everyone has microscopic yeast living on their skin, but people with tinea versicolor experience an overgrowth of the yeast.
- It's not clear why this happens, but it can be caused by:
- Excessive sweating
- Oily skin
- hot and humid environment
- A weakened immune system
Tinea versicolor most commonly occurs in people who live in tropical climates. It can affect people of any ethnic group. The teenagers they may be more susceptible than people in other age groups due to their oilier skin.
Eczema
eczema (atopic dermatitis) is characterized by itchy red rashes with raised bumps. These rashes may appear with white patches. Affected areas are typically the face, scalp, hands, feet, elbows, eyelids, wrists, and the backs of the knees. Rashes are itchy, so scratching can cause sores. Over time, the areas of the body most affected by eczema can become thick, dry, and scaly. Eczema rashes can flare up and go away with no obvious pattern. The symptoms can even remain for years.
eczema it is common in children, but can affect people of any age. It can be a lifelong condition. It usually starts before the age of 5, but it can start before that age. It is also common in people who have allergies, such as hay fever.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo occurs when certain skin cells called melanocytes stop producing melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair and eyes. Without pigment, white spots form. These patches can appear anywhere on the body. Vitiligo is usually symmetrical, although it can appear on only one side of the body. Typical affected areas are the knees, hands, genitalia, and hair. It can also affect areas with mucous membranes, such as the inside of the mouth and nose.
Vitiligo usually develops around the age of 20, but can occur at any age. Its cause is unknown today. This condition may be related to genetics or to autoimmune diseases, such as hyperthyroidism.
Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis
Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis manifests as small white spots on skin that receives large amounts of sun exposure. It appears especially in the arms and legs. These spots are painless and benign. This condition is more common in people with fair skin and can appear in women at younger ages than in men. However, it usually affects women over 40 years of age more.
Pityriasis alba
Pityriasis alba usually begins as pink, slightly scaly patches on the chin and cheeks. They can be round, oval, or irregular in shape and are usually dry and scaly to the touch. These plates may go away on their own or turn white over time.
The skin disorder is most often found in children and adolescents. Also it is more likely to occur in people with dark skin. Pityriasis alba is probably related to eczema.
Lichen sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is a rare condition seen in young and old people. In women it causes white patches of thin skin, usually around the anus and vulva. In men, the disorder tends to affect the foreskin of the penis. It can also be found in other areas of the body.
Mild cases may not show any other noticeable symptoms. Nevertheless, when symptoms occur, they may include the following:
- Painful intercourse
- severe itching
- Difficulty urinating
- Skin that bruises or tears easily
- Bleeding
- Burning
lichen sclerosus has no known cause, Although hormonal imbalance or an overactive immune system can play a role.