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5. Vitiligo
Vitiligo is another possible cause of white patches. It occurs when pigment-producing cells, known as melanocytes, are destroyed or stop functioning.
Vitiligo often produces clearly defined areas of depigmented skin. It can affect almost any part of the body, including the hands, arms, legs, face, and around body openings.
Unlike mild changes caused by dry skin, vitiligo can result in noticeably white patches with little or no pigment. Hair growing within an affected area may also lose its color.
If you notice patches that are becoming larger, spreading, or appearing in several areas, it is worth seeing a dermatologist for an evaluation.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Most small white spots are not a medical emergency. However, you should consider seeking medical advice if the spots:
- Appear suddenly or spread rapidly
- Become completely white or sharply defined
- Are accompanied by significant itching, pain, redness, or swelling
- Develop scaling, crusting, bleeding, or sores
- Continue to appear despite appropriate skincare
- Affect large areas of the body
- Are accompanied by changes in hair or nails
- Appear along with other unexplained symptoms
A healthcare professional can examine the skin and determine whether further testing is needed.
How Are White Spots Diagnosed?
Diagnosing white spots usually begins with a visual examination of the skin. A dermatologist may ask when the spots first appeared, whether they have changed, whether they itch, and whether you have experienced significant sun exposure or used new skincare products.
Depending on the appearance, a doctor may use a special light called a Wood’s lamp to examine pigmentation changes. If a fungal infection is suspected, a small sample of skin may sometimes be examined to look for fungal organisms.
Because different conditions can look similar, self-diagnosis can sometimes be misleading. A dermatologist can help identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.