Why white patches on skin

You may need to try different products or a combination of products before the condition improves. Psoriasis is a common chronic skin disorder in which white blood cells cause inflammation. Skin cells multiply too rapidly, building up on the surface of the skin and causing a scaly, itchy plaque. Treatments include topical creams and ointments, light therapy and systemic medications for severe psoriasis.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease preceded by a genital sore sometimes not noticed, though , and easily treated by penicillin once diagnosed. Pinta is only found in small areas of northern South America and causes white areas on the hands, wrists, and feet.

Others are really rare and could require a lot of explanation better suited to residency training in dermatology, so I left them out! Remember, you could have BOTH vitiligo and another condition described here!

Now you can go to your dermatologist appointment armed with knowledge, which should help both of you figure out what your white or light spots are, and how best to treat them! Facebook Twitter. Monday, January 20, By: John E. There are different patterns of vitiligo Vitiligo can sometimes have different appearances, so being familiar with the different patterns that can exist is helpful to recognize it and tell it apart from other conditions.

Tinea versicolor Progressive macular hypomelanosis looks a lot like tinea versicolor but without the scale, most commonly affecting the chest and back. Progressive macular hypomelanosis It is pretty easily treated with nbUVB therapy, similar to vitiligo.

Pityriasis alba Discoid lupus also called chronic cutaneous lupus is usually located on the head and neck, causing lighter spots surrounded by dark areas, as well as permanent hair loss. Discoid lupus Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus or just lichen sclerosus, LS is usually located on the genitals and causes light spots sometimes completely white.

Is a white patch on skin anything to be concerned about? Answer From Lawrence E. With Lawrence E. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Papadakis MA, et al. Dermatologic disorders. New York, N. Accessed Aug. Goldsmith LA, et al. Yeast infections: Candidiasis, tinea pityriasis versicolor, and malassezia pityrosporum folliculitis.

In: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. Shampoo, soaps and gels may also be indicated to supplement the treatment. To protect other people in the house from infection, each person should use their own bath towel and avoid sharing clothes.

It is typical for people with lighter or olive skin to get tanned after spending a day at the beach or pool, but with excessive sun exposure, skin can peel a few days later. Skin that has peeled can cause small white patches to appear, especially on the arms, chest and back. What to do: It is important to moisturize your skin daily, and to always apply sunscreen before going into the sun. Skin that is thinner or more sensitive has a higher risk of being sunburnt.

Ideally, you should moisturize your skin thoroughly for about 10 days before a day in the sun. Foods that are high in vitamin A like carrots, tomatoes, boiled eggs, papaya and mangos can also help to prevent sunburns. The more hydrated the skin is, the lower the risk of peeling and developing blemishes. Atopic dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that appears mostly in babies, but it can appear at any age.