Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPicturesRemoval With TopicalsDiagnosis
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Pictures
Removal With Topicals
Diagnosis
This article will show pictures of white spots on the skin and discuss their cause. It will also cover treatment options and when to see a healthcare provider for additional therapies.
SolStock / Getty Images
Pictures of White Spots on Skin Based on Cause
White spots or patches on the skin can create serious concerns for some people. Below are several different causes of white spots.
Milia
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonen dermnetnz.org 2023
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonen dermnetnz.org 2023
Miliaare tiny white bumps often found on the eyelids, cheeks, and nose. They are keratin-filled cysts that do not cause any pain or itching.
The skin continuously exfoliates itself. When skin cells do not properly exfoliate and get trapped under the skin, it can form milia.
Milia looks similar to whiteheads, which may make it tempting to pop or squeeze them. However, this should be avoided because it can cause scarring. At-home treatments include exfoliators, facial peels, or retinol. If milia does not resolve with home treatment, a dermatologist can provide additionaltreatmentoptions.
Pityriasis Alba
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoPityriasis alba.DermNet/CC BY-NC-ND
DermNet/CC BY-NC-ND
Pityriasis albais a common childhood skin condition that begins with red, scaly patches. It is typically seen on the cheeks and chin but can occur anywhere. As the patches heal, they leave an area of hypopigmentation (skin lighter-colored than the surrounding skin). Thehypopigmentationis not permanent.
Pityriasis alba has no known cause but tends to occur in people with dry skin and atopic dermatitis.
Most people with pityriasis alba will not need treatment. However, a moisturizer can alleviate dryness, and a topical steroid can relieve itching if necessary.
Guttate Hypomelanosis
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023
The exact cause of guttate hypomelanosis is not known but is likely due to sun exposure and genetics. They tend to appear as people age, affecting 50% to 80% of those 40 years and older.
Guttate hypomelanosis can be an appearance concern for some but typically does not need to be treated. A dermatologist may be able to offer certain treatments to those who would like to lessen the appearance of the white spots.
Vitiligo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Dr Richard Ashton dermnetnz.org 2023
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Dr Richard Ashton dermnetnz.org 2023
Vitiligois anautoimmune conditionthat causes areas of the skin to lose pigmentation. This causes milky-white areas on the skin that tend to be symmetrical with both sides of the body. Vitiligo is most often seen on the hands, arms, face, and feet.
These white patches tend to start before the age of 20. There is no cure for vitiligo, but treatments can help stop it from progressing. Treatments work to stop the immune system from destroying the skin’s pigmentation. This can include corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or phototherapy.
White Skin Spot Removal With Topicals
White skin spots have several different causes, which will determine the treatment plan. Often, these spots do not need treatment. However, conditions like vitiligo do need to be treated.
Topical treatments for vitiligo include:
Guttate hypomelanosis does not need to be treated. However, if the appearance of the spots is bothersome, topical treatment options include steroids, tretinoin, and pimecrolimus.
Topical treatments for pityriasis alba are moisturizers for dryness and topical steroids to relieve itching.
Milia can be treated with topical retinol to help encourage skin cell turnover.
Steps to Getting White Skin Spots Diagnosed
Summary
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Ophthalmology.What are milia?American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Pityriasis alba.DermNet.Pityriasis alba.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis.DermNet.Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Vitiligo.NYU Langone Health.Topical medication for vitiligo.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Ophthalmology.What are milia?American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Pityriasis alba.DermNet.Pityriasis alba.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis.DermNet.Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Vitiligo.NYU Langone Health.Topical medication for vitiligo.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What are milia?American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Pityriasis alba.DermNet.Pityriasis alba.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis.DermNet.Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Vitiligo.NYU Langone Health.Topical medication for vitiligo.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What are milia?
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Pityriasis alba.
DermNet.Pityriasis alba.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis.
DermNet.Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Vitiligo.
NYU Langone Health.Topical medication for vitiligo.
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