- 1. Skin ringworm
- 2. Stains caused by the sun
- 3. Atopic dermatitis
- 4. White freckles
- 5. Vitiligo
- 6. Hypomelanosis
- 7. Tuberous sclerosis
- Can the white spot be cancer?
- White spot on the skin can be worms?
White spots on the skin can be caused by several factors, ranging from a simple ringworm and white freckles, to skin problems such as dermatitis, hypomelanosis or vitiligo, for example.
When a spot appears on the skin, its size, where it is located, when it appeared and other symptoms such as itching, dry skin or peeling of the skin should be noted. After that, what should be done is to make an appointment with a dermatologist so that the correct cause can be identified, and then indicate the most appropriate treatment.
Some possible causes of white spots on the skin and their proper treatment are:
1. Skin ringworm
One of the most common causes of small white spots on the skin, which itch a lot and which can spread over large areas of the body is beach ringworm, pityriasis versicolor or white cloth, as it is also popularly known.
Despite the name beach ringworm, the person probably already had ringworm before, but only noticed after going to the beach, because the affected area is not tanned. Usually the fungus that causes this ringworm naturally inhabits the skin, but due to some alteration, it becomes unpleasant, multiplying a lot, giving rise to the typical spots that affect the neck, trunk or back.
- What to do: an antifungal ointment indicated by the dermatologist should be applied, which may be Isoconazole, Ketoconazole or Miconazole. Shampoo, soaps and gels can also be indicated to complement the treatment. To prevent other people inside the home from being affected, each person should use their own bath towel and not share their clothes. See some ointments used to treat ringworm.
2. Stains caused by the sun
Sometimes people with fair skin or brunettes get tanned when they go to the beach or pool and after a few days the skin peels off, giving rise to small white spots, which appear especially on the arms, chest and back.
- What to do: it is important to moisturize your skin daily, and to use sunscreen always before exposing yourself to the sun because that skin is thinner and more sensitive, with a higher risk of burns. The ideal is to hydrate the skin very well about 10 days before going to the beach and always eat foods rich in vitamin A such as carrots, tomatoes, boiled eggs, papaya and mango, for example, because the more hydrated the skin is, the lower the risk to peel and get stained.
Check out more skin care tips for perfect bronze.
3. Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a type of skin inflammation that occurs most often in babies, but can occur at any age. Usually, dermatitis causes the appearance of red spots, in plaques or lumps, but when they disappear they can make that place more whitish. See how to identify and treat atopic dermatitis.
- What to do: it is usually necessary to use corticosteroid drugs prescribed by the dermatologist, such as Fenirax, twice a day. In addition, you must keep your skin hydrated, and you may also need an antihistamine remedy to relieve itching.
4. White freckles
Light brown people can develop several small white freckles that can appear on their hands, arms or legs, especially after 40 years of age. This usually happens in people who have very fair skin or who have spent many years exposing themselves to the sun without sunscreen.
- What to do: it is advisable to adequately protect your skin from the sun, always using sunscreen when going to the beach or pool, or whenever you stay more than 15 minutes exposed to the sun. Wearing a gloved hat on your hands can also be useful to prevent the sun's rays from aggravating skin lesions.
Learn more about white freckles.
5. Vitiligo
This is a disease that leads to the appearance of large white patches on the skin, which can affect even the inside of the mouth. Its cause is not fully known but it is believed to happen due to a genetic change or due to some change in the immune system, where the body starts to fight melanocytes.
Learn more about vitiligo and what treatment options are available.
- What to do: The doctor can recommend treatments such as phototherapy or application of creams and ointments with corticosteroid and / or immunosuppressive drugs, to understand which is the best option in each case. One of the medications that can be indicated is Melagenin plus which stimulates the production of melanocytes and melanin, making skin tone uniform.
6. Hypomelanosis
It is also known as hypomelanosis of the mestizo, and is not caused by any fungus, being a characteristic of the person and very common in Brazil. In these cases there are some parts of the body that are lighter than the person's skin tone, and although sun exposure improves contrast, the affected parts are always lighter than the rest of the body. This type of skin change is more common in people who have some type of allergy.
- What to do: Although you do n't need any specific treatment, sun exposure in the early morning or late afternoon can be useful in trying to even out the person's skin tone.
Learn more about hypomelanosis.
7. Tuberous sclerosis
Also known as Bourneville's disease or Epiloia only, it is characterized by the appearance of white spots isolated from each other that can affect any part of the body, although on the trunk it is more common. They are often identified for the first time in babies or children up to 6 years of age, and there may be only 1 or more than 100 spots spread over the body.
- What to do: consult a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment to avoid complications such as seizures or even kidney problems. Better understand what tuberous sclerosis is and how treatment is done.
Can the white spot be cancer?
Non-melanoma skin cancer can cause a whitish spot on the skin, with irregular edges and difference in texture and color in the same spot. In this case, you should go to the dermatologist so that he can observe and check if it really may be skin cancer and what you should do to treat it. See other features and photos of skin cancer.
White spot on the skin can be worms?
The white spots on the skin are not always indicative that the person has worms, but the association of this symptom is correct because when the person has worms it is common for their body not to fully absorb the vitamins and nutrients from food, and this lack of vitamins can cause white spots on the skin. The main vitamins that cause white patches on the skin are calcium, vitamin D and E that can be found in milk, sardines, butter and peanuts, for example.
If the cause of the appearance of white spots on the skin is actually worms, these must be identified in a parasitological examination of feces and treatment can be done with the use of remedies for worms. See other symptoms of worms.
