• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skin Care
  • Ask the Expert

DermaTalk

Lets Talk about your Skin

  • Home
  • Beauty and Make Up
  • Disease and Condition
    • acne
    • Nail Disorder
    • Skin cancer
    • Viral Infection
    • Psoriasis
  • HEALTHY LIVING
  • Anti Aging
  • Cosmetic Surgery
  • Product Reviews
  • Genital Dermatology
You are here: Home / Skin Disorders / White Patches on the Skin

White Patches on the Skin

April 28, 2011 by Dr.Deepak 2 Comments

White patches on the skin are rather common findings in dermatology. Many of you might be wondering if there is any serious skin condition to be concerned about. In this article we’ll discuss about most common causes of white patches on the skin and their treatment options in brief.

There are several numbers of causes that can cause skin discoloration. Some of those are easy to treat while few conditions are difficult to treat. Most common causes of white patches on the skin are discussed below.

Tinea Versicolor:
Also known as pityriasis versicolor commonly present as hypo or hyper pigmented scaly lesion usually seen on chest, back, abdomen and proximal extremities. Less commonly it can be see in face, scalp and genitalia. Tinea Versicolor eruption is most commonly during summer months.

Several topical medications have been used with great success. Most commonly used is 2.5% selenium sulfide (Selsun) shampoo, which can be applied daily for 1-2 weeks, wash off after 10 minutes. To prevent recurrence, it can be applied 1-2 times a month for several months. Several other topical medications like ciclopirox zinc Pyrithione, ketoconazole, terbinafine and sulfur preparations are equally effective in treating tinea versicolor. Oral intraconazole 200mg once a day for 7 days is also effective. You should remember that the white patches might take time to resolve and it’s not the sign of treatment failure.

Vitiligo:
Vitiligo lesion is usually depigmented white patches surrounded by hyper-pigmented or normal border. Most common sites are face, upper part of chest, groin, genitals, mucous membrane, extensor surface, axilla but it can occur at any area of skin.

Vitiligo is rather difficult to treat. Several treatment modalities are available but the response is slow and not satisfactory. Topical corticosteroids, calcipotriol and topical immunomodulators like tacrolimus have been tried with some success rate.

For extensive disease systemic immunosuppressive drugs have also been tried. PUVA therapy which includes topical or oral 8-methoxypsoralen with ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation (320 to 400 nm) seems effective in treating vitiligo. Narrowband Ultraviolet B radiation is another option for treating vitiligo and most effective in treating extensive generalized cases of vitiligo.

Other conditions that can cause white patches on the skin care:

  • B12 deficiency
  • Pityriasis Alba
  • Post-inflammatory hypo pigmentation
  • Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus
  • Psoriasis
  • Nevus depigmentosus
  • Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis

If you are confused and worried about the white patch on your skin, consult your dermatologist. If you have any questions regarding white patches on the skin ask us at our skin care forum.

Filed Under: Skin Disorders Tagged With: discoloration of skin, Vitiligo, white bumps on skin, white patch on skin, white patches, White Patches on Skin, white patches skin

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. dermfeed.com says:
    April 28, 2011 at 10:57 am

    White Patches on the Skin…

    White patches on the skin are rather common findings in dermatology. In this article we’ll discuss about most common causes of white patches on the skin and their treatment options in brief….

  2. The Risk Of Side Effects From Topical Corticosteroids | DermaTalk.com says:
    May 20, 2011 at 11:20 am

    […] of topical corticosteriods might result in fine hair growth around the areas but it is reversible. Hypopigmentation: Sometime hypopigmentation can occur with the use of potent therapy, most common in dark skinned […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

skin care advice

Latest Posts

  • How to Begin An Argumentative Essay
  • forever
  • The Difference Between Cbd Oils And Tinctures – Vitality Cbd … Can Be Fun For Anyone
  • What Does Cbd Gummy Bears – Cannabidiol – Buy Cbd – Vitality Cbd Mean?
  • 7 Simple Techniques For Cbd Oil: Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, And Interactions

Return to top of page

About Us Contact us Privacy Policy Copyright and Terms of Use Copyright © 2021 · Skin Care Blogs by DermaTalk