White spots on the skin

White spots on the skin are not only an external defect, but also evidence of various abnormalities inside the body.

Causes of white spots on the skin

A frequent cause of appearance on the skin of white spots is a disease like vitiligo. According to the World Health Organization, the number of people suffering from vitiligo worldwide is about thirty million people.

The disease can occur at any age, but in most cases it appears until twenty-five years. The disease is characterized by a prolonged course and can accompany a person throughout life.

The mechanism of the development of the disease is not clear to the end, to the factors that can provoke the development of vitiligo, include various disorders in the work of the immune and endocrine systems, mental overstrain, deterioration of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, etc. Treatment of the disease can be quite lengthy and not always leads to the desired result.

White spots on the skin also appear in such a disease as a multicolored, or in another way, pityriasis, the development of which is associated with the activity of the fungus of the genus Malassezia, which affects the skin.

The causes of the appearance of white spots on the skin can also include a disease such as leukopathy, or leukoderma.

Causes of white spots on the skin can be associated with the presence of dermatological diseases, among which are the following:

• Vitiligo is a disease accompanied by the absence of natural dark pigments on any part of the skin. Such a pathology can develop due to the influence of certain medicinal and chemical substances, as a result of the influence of the nervous system on the processes of melanogenesis, as well as neuroendocrine and autoimmune factors.

To lead to the development of the disease can also various phenomena of inflammatory nature, formed on the surface of the skin, as well as tissue necrosis. To provoke such pathology may be emotional overstrain, internal diseases of a chronic nature, as well as mechanical damage to the skin (isomorphic provoking reaction).

Call such a disease as vitiligo can also often be found on chemical production (rubber, paint, etc.). In such cases, the disease usually regresses after a change in the environment. The disease can be transmitted genetically. The size of white spots on the skin with the development of vitiligo may be different.

More often the disease occurs among young people, but it can manifest itself regardless of age factors. With vitiligo, white spots on the skin may increase in size over time, forming large areas of white color. Hairs in the affected area also lose their color.

In most cases, the localization of this disease becomes the elbows, knees, brushes, but it is possible that vitiligo may develop on any other part of the skin. There are no pain sensations when white spots appear on the skin, associated with the development of vitiligo.

• Pungent or variegated, lichen is a disease that has a chronic course and is characterized by the defeat of the horny layer of the epidermis with a fungus. More often the disease affects males and adolescents.

To provoke the development of the disease may disrupt the endocrine system, immunodeficiency states, impaired functioning of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. To the reasons provoking the appearance of the multi-colored lichen, also include hereditary predisposition, long-term use of corticosteroids, damage by heavy metals, increased level of sweating, as well as blood sugar, wearing synthetic clothes, solar radiation, etc.

• Leukopathy, or leukoderma, is a skin disease caused by a decrease or total absence of a coloring pigment. White spots on the skin with leukopathy, depending on the type of disease, can arise as a result of venereal diseases (for example, with syphilis), as a result of taking any medications, as well as contacting the skin with various harmful substances that have a toxic effect on the body.

To the causes of the development of leukopathy and the appearance of white spots on the skin are also infectious and fungal skin lesions. Leukopathy can also be transmitted by inheritance.

White spots on the baby's skin

White spots on the baby's skin can be a sign of the development of such a pathology as hypomelanosis. The first manifestations of such a disease can occur immediately after birth, and after a few months or years. As a rule, severe infectious diseases precede the development of such pathology. The consequences in this case can be very serious, up to the disruption of the functioning of the central nervous system, as well as peripheral nervous system and delay in development.

The forms of hypomelanosis include diseases such as vitiligo, albinism and leukoderma. In the development of vitiligo, the hereditary factor plays an important role. Causes of the disease can also be violations in the work of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, helminthic invasion, mental disorders as a result of exhaustion of the nervous system, pathological conditions of the cardiovascular system. As a rule, the overall health of the child vitiligo has no effect.

There is also the assumption that this disease in newborns occurs as a result of inadequate development of the immune system and can go on independently as it grows up. According to some experts, children under the age of four to five years do not need specific treatment for such a disease, it is only necessary to monitor the doctor regularly.

However, each case is purely individual, and only a qualified doctor can make a decision about the advisability of treatment on the basis of a survey. In the presence of concomitant pathologies capable of provoking such a violation as vitiligo, first of all the therapy of the underlying disease is conducted.

Odruvidny deprive in children develops infrequently. In general, the disease is common among young people.

White spots on the skin of a child can be a sign of a phenomenon like white lichen. White lichen in most cases is found among children and very rarely observed in adults.

The causes of this disease remain unclarified. The causative agent is a fungus that is found on the skin of all people and is considered harmless. According to some experts, a large amount of this fungus blocks the penetration of sunlight into some areas of the skin, resulting in it appearing white spots. The highest probability of occurrence of white lichen in people suffering from skin diseases (various types of mycoses, dermatitis, eczema), prone to allergies and those suffering from bronchial asthma.

The peculiarity of this disease is that it can occur repeatedly even in the absence of any accompanying symptoms. Most of the spots with white lichen appear on the face, arms and legs. The dimensions of such formations can be from one to four centimeters. The general condition thus, as a rule, does not worsen, the skin does not itch and does not burn.

Sometimes the spots can peel or moisturize. In the event of a white lichen, a patient needs a comprehensive examination to detect any other disorders in the body that could have caused the development of the disease.

Treatment of the disease is usually carried out with extensive lesions of the skin, with localization depriving the face, general deterioration of the condition, as well as the development of inflammatory phenomena on the skin and severe itching.

When there are white spots on the skin of the child, in no case should one engage in self-medication. When such a symptom occurs, it is necessary to show the child to the dermatologist.

White small spot on the skin

A white small spot on the skin can be a symptom of the development of such a disease as vitiligo. Subsequently, such formation can grow, white spots can appear on various parts of the skin, including the face.

More often vitiligo occurs at a young age, but it can develop in both children and the elderly. Often vitiligo develops in people with malfunctions of the thyroid gland, digestive system, cardiovascular system.

White spots on the skin of the back

White spots on the skin of the back can indicate the presence of diseases such as pityriasis, vitiligo or leukoderma. To differentiate such diseases the doctor the dermatologist at carrying out of survey and diagnostics can.

With pityriasis, the spots have irregular shapes and can be peeled off. For treatment, antifungal drugs are prescribed.

Vitiligo manifests itself in the form of spots that have clear outlines, which are usually small in size, but can subsequently become larger, merging into several solid spots of large size or one spot localized on any part of the back. Stains with vitiligo, except the back, can be placed on the hands, feet, face and other places. When diagnosing such a disease as vitiligo, the treatment is primarily aimed at stimulating the production of melanin in the body.

With leukoderma, white spots on the skin of the back may also be of different size and shape and capable of affecting various areas of the skin. This disease can be a consequence of infectious diseases, skin lesions of various types, as well as the result of exposure to medication. To differentiate the disease that caused the appearance of white spots on the skin, and the treatment should contact a dermatologist.

White spots on the skin of the face

White patches on the skin of the face, of course, represent a serious defect in terms of aesthetic appearance. This problem can arise at almost any age, delivering a lot of inconvenience to a person and adversely affecting his emotional state.

With the progression of the disease, the spots may increase in size and merge into one large spot. In the event of light spots on the face skin, the patient should avoid exposure to direct sunlight to prevent burning of discolored skin segments.

To the possible reasons for the formation of white spots on the skin of a person is such a disease as vitiligo. The true causes of the development of this pathology are not accurately established, but there are some assumptions about the appearance of vitiligo, which include the following:

• Genetic predisposition
• Disrupted metabolism
• Endocrine disorders in the body
• Failure in the functioning of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract
• Prejudicial skin lesions
• Long-term emotional overload
• Autoimmune disorders
• Side effect of medications

In addition to these, there are other factors that, in the opinion of specialists, can influence the development of vitiligo. To determine the possible causes that provoked such a disease, the patient should consult a doctor and go through a comprehensive diagnosis.

White spots on the skin of the legs

White patches on the skin of the legs can have different sizes - from small to very large, with the exception of the surface of the feet - in this area, white spots are not localized. The appearance of such pigmentation is most likely due to the development of a disease such as vitiligo, the exact causes of which have not been accurately studied.

Specialists in the field of medicine make various assumptions about the causes of vitiligo development, for example, that the disease can occur under the influence of strong nervous surges, due to disruption of the endocrine system, gastrointestinal tract, as a result of decreased immunity, liver diseases, etc.

Treatment of vitiligo is a rather complex process and does not always give the expected result. But with this, the sooner you go to the doctor, the higher the chances of successful treatment.

When diagnosing vitiligo, the main therapy is aimed at stimulating the production of a dark natural pigment in the body. For this purpose, ultraviolet irradiation is possible. The average duration of treatment is about four months. The procedures are carried out three times a week for half an hour.

Patients may be prescribed corticosteroids and immunomodulating agents. People suffering from such a disease as vitiligo are not allowed to stay under the open sun to prevent burning of affected areas.

White scaly patch on the skin

A white scaly patch on the skin or multiple white spots can be evidence of the development of such a disease as pityriasis, associated with fungal skin lesions. The staining of spots with pityriasis may change and be yellowish or with a shade of red, which is why the second name for this disease is color deprivation.

When infecting with varicoloured color, such spots can be located on the skin of the chest, back, on the shoulders, and also on other parts of the body. Initially, the spots are small, but can subsequently increase and merge into one continuous spot. White patches on the skin with pityriasis can persist for several months and even years.

The cause of the development of the disease becomes the defeat of the skin with a fungus, which prevents the normal production of a natural dark pigment - melanin.

Microorganisms, which are the causative agents of such a disease, can live on the skin for a long time, without any manifestation. To provoke the development of pityriasis, impairments in the endocrine system, increased sweating, decreased protective functions of the body, frequent visits to the solarium and other factors that adversely affect the skin.

To confirm the diagnosis, a full-time examination of the patient is carried out, it is possible to conduct a Balzer test. For this, the affected areas are treated with iodine and evaluate the changes that have occurred. With multi-colored lichen, the spots after this treatment become dark brown in color. Microscopic examination allows to detect on the skin a congestion of the fungus of the genus Malassezia.

In the treatment of color deprivation, antifungal ointments are used, frequent antibiotic treatment, treatment of affected skin with salicylic alcohol solution.

When treating pityriasis, it is possible to use ointment lamizil. The drug is applied to the skin once or twice a day. Before use, the skin should be washed and wiped dry. The duration of therapy can be from two to five weeks.

Ointment clotrimazole is also used for the treatment of pityriasis. The drug is applied to the affected areas two or three times a day for two to four weeks.

White dry skin spots

White dry spots on the skin, accompanied by peeling, may be a symptom of the development of pityriasis. The disease develops under the influence of a fungus that affects the skin, and can have a prolonged course.

To establish the diagnosis and prescribe a treatment, a full-time examination of the dermatologist is required. The formation of white spots on the skin of various sizes and shapes can be caused by other diseases, for example, vitiligo. For the differentiation of symptoms and the appointment of treatment it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination.

White rough spots on the skin

White rough spots on the skin are most characteristic for such a disease as pitybearing, or colored, lichen. The causes of the disease are associated with the development on the surface of the skin of the fungus, which can last for a long time on the skin and does not manifest itself in any way. An impetus to the development of a pityriasis can be diseases of the endocrine system, a decrease in immunity, increased sweating, damage to the skin under the influence of a solarium or sunlight,

To correctly establish the diagnosis and determine the tactics of treatment, when appearing on the skin of white rough spots should consult a dermatologist.

What if the skin is covered with white spots?

Such a disease as vitiligo is inextricably linked with the appearance on the skin of white spots, which can be located almost in any of its areas. First of all, people who have encountered such a problem should consult a dermatologist who after diagnosis will advise what to do if the skin is covered with white spots.

Among the causes that cause the appearance of white spots on the skin, there are also pityriasis and leukopathy. Symptomatic in all these diseases can be similar to each other, so to differentiate the symptoms and establish an accurate diagnosis, you should immediately consult a doctor.

If the skin is covered with white spots, do not attempt to get rid of them yourself, as this can lead to complications and complicate further treatment.

What if the white patch on the skin itches?

In cases of appearance of white spots on the surface of the skin, the patient may be disturbed by such accompanying symptoms as itching and flaky skin.

Undoubtedly, first of all, when developing any dermatological disease, one should consult a dermatologist. And only after that can take the necessary measures to eliminate such symptoms. Based on the survey, the doctor will recommend to you what to do if the white spot on the skin itches, flakes or just does not manifest itself.

Possible causes for the formation of white spots on the skin include diseases such as pityriasis, leukopathy or vitiligo. Reducing the production of natural dark pigment in the body in the development of such diseases can be caused by a very wide range of causes. Timely contact with a doctor will allow you to accurately determine the causes of the appearance of white spots on the skin and choose the right methods of treatment.

What to do if there are white spots on the skin?

To know exactly what to do, if there are white spots on the skin, first of all you should address this problem to a specialist - a dermatologist.

Some skin diseases are accompanied by similar symptoms, which can be distinguished only by a specialist. Accordingly, treatment can be initiated only after a comprehensive examination and will depend on the diagnosis.

If the cause of the appearance of white spots on the skin is color deprivation, the patient is prescribed antifungal agents for topical application, in case of repeated cases of the development of the disease, antibacterial drugs are used.

If the white spots on the skin are a symptom of such a disease as vitiligo, treatment is more difficult, correction of the general condition of the patient and therapy of concomitant pathologies that could lead to the development of vitiligo are necessary.

Treatment of white spots on the skin

Treatment of white spots on the skin should be started only after the diagnosis and establish the reasons that caused such symptoms.

In the event that the occurrence of white spots on the skin is associated with the development of such a disease as vitiligo, the patient is assigned a complex treatment, including UV therapy and the use of medications.

For local treatment of vitiligo, melagonin lotion can be used. The substances contained in its composition can stimulate the processes of skin pigmentation, contributing to the production of a natural dark pigment - melanin - in the body.

The drug is applied to the area of white spot formation three times a day with light rubbing movements, after which UV irradiation of the treated sites is carried out once a day for fifteen minutes. With a positive effect of the drug, white spots on the skin first acquire a reddish hue and gradually darken. The drug melagenin is not used during pregnancy and lactation.

UV irradiation with vitiligo is often combined with the use of photosensitizing drugs that can increase the susceptibility of the skin to the ultraviolet and, as a result, stimulate the production of melanin. These include drugs such as puvalene, meloxin, meladinine, methoxaralene, and others.

Systemic treatment of vitiligo depending on the indications may include the use of the following means:

• Preparations containing corticosteroids (prednisolone, diprospan)
• Aminoquinoline preparations (chloroquine diphosphate)
• Immunomodulating agents (cyclosporin A, isoprinosine)
• Preparations improving the functioning of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract
• Means, normalizing the processes of metabolism in the liver
• Means that promote the improvement of digestive processes (pancreatin)
• Vitamin and mineral complexes
• Soothing drugs and antidepressants

In order for white spots on the skin to be less visible, use masking cosmetics.

All these methods and means for the treatment of vitiligo can be prescribed only by a qualified physician after a comprehensive examination and diagnosis.

If the white spots on the skin are associated with the development of pityriasis, the patient is shown the use of antifungal ointments (lamizil, clotrimazole) and antibacterial drugs.