White spots on face are a common cosmetic concern that can affect people of any age, skin type, or ethnicity. They can appear as small, hard bumps or flat, discolored patches on the skin. They may be more noticeable on darker skin tones or after sun exposure. White spots on face can have various causes and treatments, depending on the type and severity of the condition.
Some of the most common causes of white spots on face are:
- Milia: These are tiny white cysts that form when keratin, a protein found in the outer layer of skin, gets trapped under the skin surface¹. They usually occur around the eyes, nose, cheeks, and forehead. Milia can affect people of all ages, but they are more common in newborn babies and young children. Milia are not harmful or contagious, and they often go away on their own within a few weeks or months. However, if they persist or cause cosmetic distress, they can be removed by a dermatologist using a needle, a topical cream, or a skin peel¹.
- Pityriasis alba: This is a type of eczema that causes pale pink or red, scaly patches on the skin, which fade to smooth white spots over time¹. It mainly affects children and adolescents, especially those with dry or sensitive skin. The exact cause of pityriasis alba is unknown, but it may be related to sun exposure, yeast infection, or atopic dermatitis². Pityriasis alba usually clears up on its own within a few months or years, but it can be treated with moisturizers, steroid creams, or light therapy to reduce itching and inflammation².
- Vitiligo: This is a skin disorder that causes loss of pigment in some areas of the skin, resulting in white patches that vary in size and shape¹. Vitiligo can affect any part of the body, including the face, hands, feet, and genitals. It can also affect the hair, eyes, and mucous membranes. Vitiligo is caused by an autoimmune reaction that destroys the melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin¹. Vitiligo is not contagious or life-threatening, but it can cause emotional distress and social stigma for some people. There is no cure for vitiligo, but treatments such as topical creams, oral medications, light therapy, surgery, or cosmetic camouflage can help restore some color to the affected areas or even out the skin tone¹.
- Pityriasis versicolor: This is a fungal infection that causes scaly patches of skin that may be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin¹. It usually affects the chest, back, neck, and upper arms, but it can also occur on the face. Pityriasis versicolor is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia that normally lives on the skin. Factors that can trigger this overgrowth include hot and humid weather, oily skin, excessive sweating, hormonal changes, or weakened immunity¹. Pityriasis versicolor is not dangerous or contagious, but it can recur frequently. It can be treated with antifungal creams, shampoos, or pills to kill the yeast and restore the normal skin color¹.
- Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis: This is a benign condition that causes small white spots on the skin that do not tan². It usually affects older adults and people with fair skin. It mostly occurs on the legs and arms, but it can also appear on the face. The cause of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis is unknown, but it may be related to aging, sun damage, or genetic factors². There is no specific treatment for this condition, but some options include topical steroids, retinoids, chemical peels, lasers, or cryotherapy to improve the appearance of the spots².
White spots on face are usually not a sign of a serious health problem, but they can affect one’s self-esteem and quality of life. If you have white spots on your face that bother you or do not go away on their own, you should consult a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment options. A dermatologist can also help you prevent white spots on face by recommending proper skin care products and sun protection measures.
Source:
(1) White Spots on Face: What’s Causing It? – Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-disorders/white-spots-on-face.
(2) White spots on the face: Possible causes and treatments. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319782.
(3) White Spots on the Face: Causes and Natural Treatments – Daily Health Cures. https://www.dailyhealthcures.com/skin-care/white-spots-on-face/.
(4) White spots on kid’s face: causes and remedies – Iyurved. https://blog.iyurved.com/white-spots-on-kids-face-causes-and-remedies/.
(5) Pityriasis Alba and White Patches On Face – Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/pityriasis-alba-1068759.