White Patches On Skin: Causes, Symptoms And Home Remedies

Introduction

Noticing a white patch on your skin can be concerning, but it is important to seek medical advice right away. White patches can be of two types: hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) or depigmentation (complete loss of pigmentation cells). The severity of the condition depends on how quickly the patches spread and which areas are affected^[8].

Avoid self-medication or waiting too long to see if it improves, as this may worsen the condition. If you spot any white patches or spots, whether hypo-pigmented or de-pigmented, make sure to consult a dermatologist as soon as possible^[5].

Friendly Reminder: The information shared here is for educational purposes only and the reader should consult a registered medical practitioner before implementing any changes to their health routine.

What are White Patches?

White patches, caused by the complete loss of melanocytes (skin pigmentation cells) due to an autoimmune reaction within the skin, are seen in vitiligo. Commonly referred to as “kodh” in Hindi , vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disorder^[1] that leads to discolouration of skin, ranging from small patches to generalised (all over the body) areas. In many cases, this condition also affects hair colour as well.

Facts About White Patches

• Vitiligo is not contagious. It’s an autoimmune skin disorder, not an infection. To confirm the diagnosis, dermatologists may use methods like wood lamp examination, dermoscopy, and, if necessary, histopathology.
• Like many autoimmune disorders, vitiligo has a genetic^[9] component. It is also associated with other autoimmune conditions such as autoimmune thyroid disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and Type 1 diabetes.
• White patches caused by vitiligo are often mistakenly thought to be leprosy. The incidence of vitiligo is similar in both males and females, and it can occur at any age.^[2]
• Stress is considered one of the known triggers for vitiligo. The condition can impact a person’s confidence, leading to increased stress, which, in turn, may worsen the condition. ^[1]

Treatment Goals for Vitiligo Include

• Stopping the spread and activity of the disease.
• Stabilising the condition.
• Restoring skin colour through medical and surgical interventions, depending on the severity. However, treatment cannot prevent new lesions from forming.

Researchers say that lack of melanin, a skin pigment, is what causes vitiligo^[10]. Melanin, which gives your skin its colour, is produced by skin cells called melanocytes. Destruction of melanocytes and lack of functioning melanocytes does not allow your skin to produce enough melanin when you have vitiligo. Your skin may start to develop white patches as a result.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Causes of White Patches

Here are some other conditions that may present as whitish patches (lesions) on the skin due to certain reasons.

1. Pityriasis Alba

This is a self-limiting skin condition that commonly affects children. It typically appears on the face but can affect other areas of the body as well. Along with hypopigmented patches, it may also cause dryness and itching^[6]. Proper moisturising and a balanced, nutritious diet can help treat and prevent Pityriasis Alba^[3]. This condition may indicate skin sensitivity and a tendency to develop allergies.

2. Sun Spots

Sunspots are white patches that form when the skin loses its tone, typically due to an allergic reaction to sun exposure. These spots usually appear on areas exposed to the sun, like the face, forearms, and the back of the neck. To prevent sun spots, it’s important to use sunscreen whenever exposed to sunlight. One can also use umbrellas, hats, goggles, and gloves to reduce sun exposure. This condition is medically known as “polymorphic light eruption.”

3. Leprosy

Leprosy is often confused with vitiligo due to the appearance of white patches, but it is a bacterial infection, not an autoimmune disorder. Leprosy, known as “raktpitt” in Hindi, causes white patches on the skin with sensory loss. Unlike vitiligo, which only affects the skin, leprosy can impact the skin, nerves, muscles, cartilage, respiratory tract, and even bones in extreme cases. It is crucial to differentiate between vitiligo and leprosy for proper treatment.

Symptoms of White Patches

Here are some signs of skin discolouration in vitiligo to watch for:

• Loss of hair pigment in the affected area
• Well-defined patches of skin losing its natural tone
• Itching^[4] or redness during the active phase of the condition

Types of White Patches (Vitiligo)

Vitiligo can affect the skin in different ways. These are the types of vitiligo based on their appearance:

• Generalised Vitiligo: When skin discolouration appears in two or more regions of the body, it is called generalised vitiligo.
• Segmental Vitiligo: This type occurs on one side of the body.
• Focal Vitiligo: Focal vitiligo causes skin discolouration in one or a few small areas. It may stop spreading, and the skin’s colour can sometimes return.

A dermatologist can evaluate the condition and suggest the best treatment depending on the type.

Home Remedies for White Patches

While the dermatologist will prescribe medication tailored to your condition, there are a few home remedies that can help alongside the prescribed treatment:

• Stress Management: Practicing yoga and meditation can help reduce stress, preventing it from worsening the condition. Speak to a professional if needed. 
• Healthy Diet: Avoid foods with artificial colours and preservatives, such as store-bought bread, sauces, restaurant-prepared meals, and packaged items, as they can aggravate autoimmune conditions^[11]. Opt for freshly prepared, home-cooked meals.
• Avoid Alcohol, Smoking, and Excess Caffeine: These can negatively impact your overall health and trigger skin conditions^[12][13][14].
• Sleep Well: Ensure 7-8 hours of sleep each night to maintain a healthy routine.
• Monitor Existing Conditions: Keep track of any pre-existing conditions like thyroid disorders or high blood sugar levels, as they can impact vitiligo.
• Maintain Vitamin Levels: Make sure your vitamin B12^[16] and D3 levels^[15] are within the recommended ranges, as they play a role in supporting immune function.

When to Consult a Doctor

If you notice a white patch on your skin, it’s important to consult a dermatologist immediately. You should seek professional help if:

• Areas of your skin, hair, or eyes begin to lose their natural colour.
• You experience any other unusual changes in pigmentation.

It’s important to note that while vitiligo has no cure, the treatment focuses on slowing down the spread of white patches and restoring skin colour through cosmetic procedures when possible.

Conclusion

White patches on the skin can have various causes. We’ve covered the causes, symptoms, and management of vitiligo in detail. Vitiligo is not just a cosmetic concern; it often signals underlying autoimmune activity, which may be linked to other autoimmune disorders like autoimmune thyroiditis, IBS, and more. Hence it’s important to consult a doctor.

Additionally, counselling and family therapy can be beneficial in helping individuals with vitiligo accept their condition and build self-esteem. Raising awareness about vitiligo and educating society, especially in rural areas, is equally important for fostering better understanding and support.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Hu Z, Wang T. Beyond skin white spots: Vitiligo and associated comorbidities. Front Med (Lausanne). 2023 Feb 23. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9995999/#:~:text=A%2010%2Dyear%20retrospective%20study,1%20diabetes%20mellitus%20(35)
2. Patil S, Gautam M, Nadkarni N, Saboo N, Godse K, Setia MS. Gender differences in clinicoepidemiological features of vitiligo: a cross-sectional analysis. ISRN Dermatol. 2014 Feb 13. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3947737/
3. Givler DN, Saleh HM, Givler A. Pityriasis Alba. [Updated 2024 Jan 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431061/
4. American Academy of Dermatology. Vitiligo: Signs and symptoms [Internet]. Rosemont (IL): American Academy of Dermatology; [cited 2025 Feb 25]. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/vitiligo-symptoms.
5. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Vitiligo [Internet]. [cited 2025 Feb 25].  https://www.aocd.org/page/Vitiligo
6. Vachiramon V, Onprasert W, Harnchoowong S, Chanprapaph K. Prevalence and clinical characteristics of itch in vitiligo and its clinical significance. Biomed Res Int. 2017;2017:5617838. [cited 2025 Feb 25]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28828385/
7. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Vitiligo [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): NIAMS; [cited 2025 Feb 25]. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/vitiligo.
8. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Vitiligo [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): NIAMS; [cited 2025 Feb 25]. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/vitiligo.
9. Spritz RA. The genetics of generalized vitiligo. Curr Dir Autoimmun. 2008;10:244-57. [cited 2025 Feb 25]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18460890/
10. Vitiligo https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitiligo/ 
11. Old Fashioned vs. Ultra-Processed-Based Current Diets: Possible Implication in the Increased Susceptibility to Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease in Childhood https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5704144/ 
12. Advances in Relationship Between Alcohol Consumption and Skin Diseases https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10759914/ 
13. Smoking and skin disease https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20532469/ 
14. Association of Caffeine Intake and Caffeinated Coffee Consumption With Risk of Incident Rosacea in Women https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6583325/ 
15. Vitamin D and the Immune System https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3166406/ 
16. The role of vitamin B12 in viral infections: a comprehensive review of its relationship with the muscle-gut-brain axis and implications for SARS-CoV-2 infection https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34791425/

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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