SKINIPEDIA - Skin Encyclopedia: White Spots on the Skin
White Spots on the Skin by Michelle Macomber
Q: “What are white spots on skin that never seem to go away? I think that they are sun damage, but I'm not exactly sure. They are white and show up even worse when they are exposed to the sun. Hence, I wear jackets or long sleeves all the time (Even when it is 100 degrees). I am so self- conscious about them. If there is anyone who can help me and tell me what's best to get rid of them I would greatly appreciate it.”
~ Anonymous
A: It sounds like the condition you are describing is hypopigmentation. When skin is damaged by UV exposure two conditions can occur: hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation. The first, hyperpigmentation, is the occurance of dark “sunspots” that form as the body produces melanocytes that absorb the UV radiation and prevent it from causing damage to the deeper layers of skin. Hypopigmentation occurs after a trauma to the skin, and yes, overexposure to sun counts as a trauma. Excess UV causes tiny “scars” on the skin, and those patches lose the ability to produce melanin, and the visible effect is white spots on the skin. These are typically surrounded by hyperpigmentation spots, and that is how you know these spots are a result of sun damage.
This condition is not dangerous or serious, but it is completely irreversible. Once the spots form, there is no way medical or esthetic to reverse the damage. The best way to treat is to prevent further damage by properly using sunscreen. That being said, there are three ways to “mask” the damage:
1. The first is the application of self tanners. Self tanners will, temporarily, dye the skin cells and cover the hypopigmentation. You can have these products applied professionally, or you can do it yourself at home (but be careful, watch for streaking!)
2. The second is the application of permanent makeup to cover the damaged areas with pigment. The permanent makeup artist will match the color to your skin tone, and usually the damaged area is completely neutralized by the application.
3. By using microdermabrasion and chemical peels to neutralize the hyperpigmentation (dark spots) you can see an improvement in skin tone, as the lighter patches do not stand out as noticeably.
Lastly, these solutions apply to hypopigmentation spots caused by sun damage; there are several other causes for hypopigmentation, so it is best to consult a medical professional to rule out the following conditions:
• Vitiligo: Vitiligo causes smooth, white patches on the skin. In some people, these patches can appear all over the body. It is an autoimmune disorder in which the pigment-producing cells are damaged. Symptoms of vitiligo include an often rapid pigment loss in several areas of the skin, and it is more common in dark skinned individuals.
• Tinea Versicolor: Tinea versicolor is caused by a fungus. This fungus lives all around us, including on the skin. Symptoms of tinea versicolor include small, flat, round or oval spots that may, over time, form patches. The spots occur on oily areas of skin on the upper chest, back, or upper arms or, less often, on the upper thighs, neck, or face. The spots can be lighter or darker than the skin around them. This condition can be very tricky to diagnose, so make sure you consult a medical professional if you suspect you have Tinea Versicolor.