White spots on the skin: all causes and remedies
You may also have noticed white spots on the skin: white spots are a symptom of hypopigmentation of the skin due to an important lack of melanin which, not being produced in the right quantities, negatively affects the pigmentation of the epidermis. The white spots as we will see are of different types, in some cases they can occur more frequently in the summer months but are very different from sun spots which usually have a more or less dark brown color and are due to incorrect and prolonged exposure to Sun.
Skin care
We will discover together the different types of white spots and learn to recognize and treat them. It is always good to remember, however, that taking care of the skin every day of the year is an excellent solution to prevent the appearance of spots. Moisturizing, exfoliating, illuminating are fundamental steps in every beauty routine!
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White and asymmetrical spots: vitiligo
Vitiligo, or leucoderma, is a serious skin disorder. It is a hereditary disease that occurs when young, it is an autoimmune disease, practically it is the body itself that attacks the melanocytes, responsible for the production of melanin. The hereditary factor is important but other causes of vitiligo include stress, a noticeable lowering of the immune system or thyroid problems. The skin appears covered with entire white areas: the white and asymmetrical spots due to vitiligo are absolutely not contagious, however this condition can represent a blemish and also cause psychological problems of social relations in the subject.The white spots make those areas of the skin devoid of melanin and therefore particularly sensitive to the sun's rays. The spots of vitiligo appear in any area of the body do not cause discomfort, itching or burning except when they have small scales, in this case they become very annoying.
For vitiligo there is no real cure: you can try to re-pigment the skin but these treatments do not always give great results. Usually we intervene by applying photosensitizing substances with exposure to the irradiation of UVA rays. Even with natural remedies you can have a benefit, the spots do not disappear but can be softened: among these natural remedies there are undoubtedly the compounds based on aloe vera, turmeric and mustard essential oil and the consumption of foods rich in vitamins. D and E. In any case there are many food supplements in case of improving the health and appearance of the skin. In case of vitiligo, the support of a dermatologist is essential, who will be able to recommend the best specific solutions for each case.
White and rounded spots: Pityriasis Versicolor
Another important cause of white spots on the skin is Pityriasis Versicolor, a skin disease caused by a fungus. It is a skin infection that should not be underestimated: these are widespread patches on the trunk, back and neck. The responsible fungus is the Pityrosporum Orbicular which normally lives quietly in our skin but due to excessive sweating, genetic predisposition, lowering of the immune defenses or particular pharmacological treatments it can evolve and become aggressive causing spots from white to red with a rounded shape as it affects the normal production of melanin.
It is a fairly common disease and is not serious, it usually disappears even on its own. When Pityriasis Versicolor is suspected, it is advisable to contact the dermatologist who will prescribe a specific antifungal drug. In these cases, the use of aloe vera gel applied to the patches is also very suitable. It should be left to act for a few hours and then carefully rinsed.
White spots in children: Pityriasis Alba.
Pityriasis Alba manifests itself with round or oval-shaped white spots recognizable by the blurred and not well-defined contours and by the presence of scales in the center of each spot. Pityriasis Alba usually affects children (the most affected range is from three to 16 years old). The exact causes of this disorder are not known but it has been noted that it often accompanies very dry skin phenomena, dermatitis or psoriasis. Usually the situation improves spontaneously without the use of particular therapies, while in some cases the doctor may deem it appropriate to use a cortisteroid-based ointment. Pityriasis Alba is not contagious and can pass more quickly by hydrating children's skin well and carefully protecting it from UVA rays during sun exposure.
Other white patches of the skin
There are also many other types of white spots on the skin, caused for example by drugs or nutritional deficiencies, poor eating habits and particular periods of stress or fatigue. White spots can also be side effects of dermal-aesthetic treatments (for example when undergoing anti-wrinkle treatments with the laser) or the result of a skin trauma, when it is affected by severe dermatitis and eczema.
In any case, when you notice white skin spots on the face or body, contact a dermatologist who will be able to show you the causes and the most effective solutions for your problem.
