White Spots On Skin - The most common reason for white spots and skin discoloration is due to a common condition called Vitiligo or Leucoderma.
It is a condition where the skin pigmentation is lost due to some genetic or environmental causes.
This non-contagious condition characterized by white spots and patches may begin with a small patch but slowly and steadily spread throughout the body. Some white spots skin discoloration can be quite conspicuous, cosmetically unattractive and cause great distress.
These skin white spots and patches occur when the melanocytes (cells that are responsible for making pigment) are destroyed. Other symptoms may include loss of color on the inside of the mouth, inner eye color change, and premature graying.
At this time the actual cause of a vitiligo skin disorder is still unknown although it has been linked to emotional stress, hereditary factors, may arise from an autoimmune disorder ( A autoimmune disorder is when the body attacks and destroys its own healthy cells such as in arthritis and diabetes) ,damage such as burns or infections, and physical illnesses.
The loss of pigmentation can occur on any area of the body and it affects both sexes, all races, and all ages. At this time, there is no known complete vitiligo cure but there are many treatments that can slow down or improve the condition.
Vitiligo Treatment
How To Treat White Spots On Skin?
Cosmetics- A good cover-up makeup such as Dermablend can be used to cover white skin spots to help avoid frustration, embarrassment or even some psychological problems it could create.
Supplements- Nutrients such as B-complex, Vitamin E, Folic Acid, Apple Cider Vinegar and Ascorbic acid will help fight free radicals and promote health.
Ayurvedic Herbs- Powerful herbal solutions are available to help your skin related problems.
Home Remedies- There are many home remedies out there to try such as-
White Spots Skin Treatment-Run a bath with fresh shaved ginger or ginger juice. Ginger is known to improve blood circulation and stimulate skin cells.
Topical Treatment Creams, Ointments, Salves and Shampoos-
The application of corticosteroid cream is commonly suggested by doctors for people with a hormone deficiency of corticosteroid usually occurring when the adrenal gland, which is accountable for the production of corticosteroids does not function normally. This disease occurs when there is a deficiency of this hormone in our body.
Medicated cleansers and dandruff shampoos containing selenium sulfide have also been proven to be effective for pigment loss, especially for larger areas of the body.
Some white spots are caused by yeasts. Effective treatments with an over-the-counter antifungal cream such as Tinactin or Lotrimincan will be helpful. There are also stronger cortisone creams that are available by prescription.
In severe cases doctors may prescribe Benoquin which cause permanent whitening of the dark areas of the skin. Whitening creams, bleaching or de-pigmentation of the unaffected normal skin is another option.
Salicyclic acid, Hydroxyl acid- Acid treatments have also been used to encourage skin cell regeneration. Treatments help to uncover new fresh skin, replacing old uneven pigmentation.Various skin care products may contain acids ingredients.
Photo therapy, Cell transplant, Skin grafting-
* PUVA Treatment -Exposing skin to long durations of false sunlight helps cells become active. This treatment is called artificial phototherapy. Photo therapy is very time-consuming however, it has a high success rate
* Melanocytes are cells located in the skin that cause pigmentation. Medical advancements have made it possible to transplant these cells from some other part of the body to the affected skin area. Transplantation can result in a complete cure.
Oral Pills- Prescription oral anti-fungals have been used to treat yeast infections. Oral pills may be prescribed if the condition is resistant to topical applications.
Laser treatments- Lasers are often used to correct skin pigmentation issues.
White Skin Spot Prevention
A few precautionary measures might help prevent white spots on the skin
Maintain skin health – Apply sunblock year-round- Apply a daily application of a high-SPF sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Try to live a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and exercise.
Other skin conditions may also be responsible for white spots, skin discoloration or even confusing it with white fatty spots under skin such as milia. ( milia are cysts filled with a protein called keratin)
Because white spots on skin can sometimes be due to more serious underlying diseases, consult a dermatologist and confirm the symptoms and help decide the best therapy for you.
