White spots on face

What are white spots on skin? Hypopigmentation is a condition in which the skin is lighter in color than normal. It occurs due to the absence of normal amounts of melanin caused by disease, injury, Main symptoms of white spots on skin It usually appears as lighter than normal colored patches on the skin or as areas on the skin that appear white. Main causes of white spots on skin Hypopigmentation may be caused by injury, inflammation, or infection of the skin. It can also be caused by some medical conditions or certain medicines. The most common cause of hypopigmentation is damage or trauma to the skin. Other causes may include: • • • • Pityriasis alba is a skin disorder commonly found in children and young adults that causes pale pink or red, scaly patches to form on the skin. When these patches clear up, the skin is left discolored, with smooth light patches taking their place. Diagnosis and tests for white spots on skin Your doctor will examine your skin to know what your loss of pigmentation is caused by. Since more than one condition may be necessary for your symptoms, there may be a need for more tests. In this case, your doctor may perform a The doctor may also be interested in knowing whether you have been diagnosed with autoimmune diseases like Treatments for white spots on skin Treating hypopigmentation may involve the use of Medications There are topical medications that sometimes help with white spots on the skin. Some of the medications used to treat hypopigme...

A milium cyst is a small, white bump that typically appears on the nose and cheeks. These cysts are often found in groups. Multiple cysts are called milia. Milia occur when keratin becomes trapped beneath the surface of the skin. Keratin is a strong protein that’s typically found in skin tissues, hair, and nail cells. Milia can occur in people of all ethnicities or ages. However, they’re most common in newborns. Keep reading to learn more about milia, their causes, and what you can do to treat them. Causes in newborns differ from those in older children and adults. Newborns The cause of milia in newborns is unknown. It’s often Unlike baby acne, milia doesn’t cause inflammation or Older children and adults In older children and adults, milia are typically associated with some type of damage to the skin. This may include: • • blistering injuries, such as • • long-term sun damage • long-term use of steroid creams • skin resurfacing procedures, such as Milia can also develop if the skin loses its natural ability to exfoliate. This can happen as a result of aging. Milia types are classified based on the age at which the cysts occur or what’s causing the cysts to develop. These types also fall into primary or secondary categories. Primary milia are formed directly from entrapped keratin. These cysts are usually found on the faces of infants or adults. Secondary milia look similar, but they develop after something clogs the ducts leading to the skin’s surface, like after an injur...

Overview People with tinea versicolor develop patches of discolored skin on their face, back, shoulders or abdomen. What is tinea versicolor? Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection that causes discolored skin. People with tinea versicolor develop white, yellow, red, pink or brown spots. It’s caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast (fungus) that’s naturally found on your skin. Hot weather, humidity and sun exposure can make tinea versicolor worse. It’s not harmful or contagious but can be mildly itchy. Tinea versicolor is most commonly found on your shoulders, back and upper chest. Healthcare providers treat the condition with topical or oral What does tinea versicolor look like? Tinea versicolor can affect all skin colors differently. The overgrowth of fungus causes small, round patches of skin to get either lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. It’s more common for your skin to get lighter. The spots can appear white, pink, red, brown, light tan or yellow. On darker skin, tinea versicolor appears white or light tan. On lighter or paler skin, tinea versicolor looks light red or pink. Some patches or spots can become scaly and dry. Over time, the patches get larger and start to connect, covering larger areas of your skin. The patches might be more noticeable after sun exposure because the rest of your skin tans (or gets darker) but the infected area won’t. This makes them stand out a little more. Who gets tinea versicolor? Tinea versicolor affects many peop...

White patches on your skin? You could be suffering from pityriasis versicolor, also known as tinea versicolor – a yeast infection that causes a rash most commonly on your back, chest and shoulders, and presents as a loss of DW it's pretty common and not dangerous, but understandably an unwelcome visitor. So we're here to tell you everything you need to know about it – from what causes it, to how to detect it, and what to do if you think you've got it, according to a dermatologist. What is pityriasis versicolor? Aesthetically, the infection looks like a loss of pigment and forms white patches on the skin, which can be itchy in some cases. "Pityriasis versicolor is a very common yeast infection of the skin", Dr Catherine Borysiewicz, Consultant Dermatologist at the " The rash typically consists of slightly scaly patches on the skin of the back, chest, neck and arms. It is usually not itchy, but some patients do report a mild itch and dermatitis. The rash can have a number of different colours, and ranges from pale pink or tan in some patients, or can create white patches on the skin which is felt to be due to a chemical produced by the yeast that diffuses into the skin and inhibits normal skin pigmentation." The pityriasis is often more noticeable when your skin is tanned, as the white patches contrast more from the colour of the rest of your skin. Cosmopolitan UK What causes it pityriasis versicolor? "The yeast causing the problems is Malassezia – this can be found normally...

Vitiligo causes your skin to lose color or pigmentation. Smooth white or light areas called macules or patches appear on your skin. It generally starts on your hands, forearms, feet and face. Globally, about 1% of the population has vitiligo. Treatment isn’t necessary, but it’s available if you don’t like the changes to your skin tone. Overview Vitiligo causes your skin to lose its color or pigment. What is vitiligo? Vitiligo (pronounced “vit-il-EYE-go”) is a skin condition that causes your The condition occurs when your body’s Who does vitiligo affect? Vitiligo affects all races and sexes equally. It’s more visible in people with darker skin tones. Although vitiligo can develop in anyone at any age, macules or patches usually become apparent before age 30. You might be at a higher risk of developing vitiligo if you have certain autoimmune conditions like: • • • • • • • How common is vitiligo? Vitiligo occurs in over 1% of the population throughout the world. How does vitiligo start and progress? Vitiligo usually starts with a few small white macules or patches that may gradually spread over your body. Vitiligo typically begins on your hands, forearms, feet and face, but can develop on any part of your body, including your mucous membranes (the moist lining of your mouth, nose, genital and rectal areas), your eyes and inner ears. Sometimes, larger patches continue to widen and spread, but they usually stay in the same place for years. The location of smaller macules shifts...

Tinea versicolor The overgrowth of fungus that causes tinea versicolor interferes with the normal pigment production of the skin. This creates an uneven skin pigment. Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection of the skin. The fungus interferes with the normal pigmentation of the skin, resulting in small, discolored patches. These patches may be lighter or darker in color than the surrounding skin and most commonly affect the trunk and shoulders. Tinea versicolor (TIN-ee-uh vur-si-KUL-ur) occurs most frequently in teens and young adults. Sun exposure may make tinea versicolor more apparent. Tinea versicolor, which is also called pityriasis versicolor, is not painful or contagious. But it can lead to emotional distress or self-consciousness. Antifungal creams, lotions or shampoos can help treat tinea versicolor. But even after successful treatment, skin color may remain uneven for several weeks or months. Tinea versicolor often recurs, especially in warm, humid weather. Symptoms Tinea versicolor signs and symptoms include: • Patches of skin discoloration, usually on the back, chest, neck and upper arms, which may appear lighter or darker than usual • Mild itching • Scaling When to see a doctor See your doctor if: • Your skin doesn't improve with self-care measures • The fungal infection returns • The patches cover large areas of your body Causes The fungus that causes tinea versicolor can be found on healthy skin. It only starts causing problems when the fungus overgrows...

Generally, a discolored patch on skin isn't cause for concern. Skin discoloration can be triggered by a number of causes, including: • Atopic dermatitis (eczema). Sometimes a small area of skin becomes irritated, which results in a patch of skin that's lighter in pigment than is the skin around it (pityriasis alba). This is common in children who have eczema. Your son's doctor may recommend applying moisturizer to the affected skin, avoiding drying soaps and protecting the skin from the sun. Your doctor might also prescribe a mild medicated cream, such as hydrocortisone. • Superficial yeast infection. Another possible cause of a discolored patch on skin is a superficial yeast infection (tinea versicolor), which means that it affects just the top layer of skin. This condition may cause the skin to look either lighter or darker than usual. Treatment may include antifungal creams or shampoos. • Other skin diseases, including psoriasis and vitiligo, also may cause patchy discoloration of the skin. Most often other lesions typical for these conditions are present on more than one spot of the body. On brown and black skin, psoriasis can leave discolored patches after it heals (postinflammatory hypopigmentation). The skin usually regains its usual color within a few months. Treatment of vitiligo can be challenging. It's important to get a correct diagnosis so that prescription treatments can be considered. • Kelly AP, et al., eds. Disorders of hypopigmentation. In: Taylor and Kel...

Milia develop when skin flakes become trapped under the surface of the skin, according to the Milia occur most often in newborn babies. In fact, Milia in newborns almost always resolve on their own without treatment. In adults this is much less often the case, and they’re commonly extracted or otherwise removed. There are a few things you can do to help speed up the healing process and prevent more milia from forming. Keep reading below to learn more. If milia on your face or your child’s face are irritating you, don’t pick at the affected area. Trying to remove milia can cause the bumps to bleed, scab, and scar. Scraping the skin can also introduce germs to the area. This can cause infection. In the case of babies under 6 months old, the best thing to do for milia is to leave the bumps alone. If the bumps are concerning you, see your child’s pediatrician. After cleansing, you may find it beneficial to steam open your pores to further remove irritants. One way to do this is to: • Start by sitting in your bathroom with the shower running on a hot setting. The room will fill slowly with warm steam. • Sit in the steam for 5 to 8 minutes. The steam will gently open up your pores, releasing skin flakes or other irritants that may be trapped underneath. • After sitting in the steam, turn off the shower and wait a few minutes. Pat your face dry, and rinse with lukewarm water to wash away any irritants before you step out of the steamy room. Facial peels that contain exfoliating i...

Milia develop when skin flakes become trapped under the surface of the skin, according to the Milia occur most often in newborn babies. In fact, Milia in newborns almost always resolve on their own without treatment. In adults this is much less often the case, and they’re commonly extracted or otherwise removed. There are a few things you can do to help speed up the healing process and prevent more milia from forming. Keep reading below to learn more. If milia on your face or your child’s face are irritating you, don’t pick at the affected area. Trying to remove milia can cause the bumps to bleed, scab, and scar. Scraping the skin can also introduce germs to the area. This can cause infection. In the case of babies under 6 months old, the best thing to do for milia is to leave the bumps alone. If the bumps are concerning you, see your child’s pediatrician. After cleansing, you may find it beneficial to steam open your pores to further remove irritants. One way to do this is to: • Start by sitting in your bathroom with the shower running on a hot setting. The room will fill slowly with warm steam. • Sit in the steam for 5 to 8 minutes. The steam will gently open up your pores, releasing skin flakes or other irritants that may be trapped underneath. • After sitting in the steam, turn off the shower and wait a few minutes. Pat your face dry, and rinse with lukewarm water to wash away any irritants before you step out of the steamy room. Facial peels that contain exfoliating i...

Vitiligo causes your skin to lose color or pigmentation. Smooth white or light areas called macules or patches appear on your skin. It generally starts on your hands, forearms, feet and face. Globally, about 1% of the population has vitiligo. Treatment isn’t necessary, but it’s available if you don’t like the changes to your skin tone. Overview Vitiligo causes your skin to lose its color or pigment. What is vitiligo? Vitiligo (pronounced “vit-il-EYE-go”) is a skin condition that causes your The condition occurs when your body’s Who does vitiligo affect? Vitiligo affects all races and sexes equally. It’s more visible in people with darker skin tones. Although vitiligo can develop in anyone at any age, macules or patches usually become apparent before age 30. You might be at a higher risk of developing vitiligo if you have certain autoimmune conditions like: • • • • • • • How common is vitiligo? Vitiligo occurs in over 1% of the population throughout the world. How does vitiligo start and progress? Vitiligo usually starts with a few small white macules or patches that may gradually spread over your body. Vitiligo typically begins on your hands, forearms, feet and face, but can develop on any part of your body, including your mucous membranes (the moist lining of your mouth, nose, genital and rectal areas), your eyes and inner ears. Sometimes, larger patches continue to widen and spread, but they usually stay in the same place for years. The location of smaller macules shifts...