White Patches On Skin: Causes, Symptoms And Home Remedies

Noticing a white patch on your skin can be concerning, but it’s important to stay calm and seek medical advice right away. You might wonder why this is happening, but the best thing to do is consult a dermatologist. 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. Early intervention is crucial, as it can greatly impact the outcome.

Avoid self-medication or waiting too long to see if it improves, as this may worsen the condition. Proper advice and treatment from a specialist are key to managing the issue effectively. So, if you spot any white patches or spots, whether hypo-pigmented or de-pigmented, make sure to consult a dermatologist as soon as possible. A correct diagnosis leads to the right treatment, which can ultimately result in a positive outcome.

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 the local language, vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disorder that leads to discoloration of skin, ranging from small patches to generalized (all over the body) areas. In many cases, this condition also affects hair colour.

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 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.
• 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. This creates a vicious cycle, as both physical and mental stress can exacerbate autoimmune disorders like vitiligo.

Treatment goals for vitiligo include:

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

Note: If you notice any white patches on your skin, it is crucial to consult a dermatologist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can help prevent the condition from worsening and support repigmentation of the affected skin.

Researchers say that lack of melanin, a skin pigment, is what causes vitiligo. 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. Proper moisturizing and a balanced, nutritious diet can help treat and prevent Pityriasis Alba. 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. In addition, physical methods of sun protection—such as using umbrellas, wide-brimmed hats, goggles, and gloves—play a significant role in prevention. 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 local terms, 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 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:

• Generalized Vitiligo: When skin discolouration appears in two or more regions of the body, it is called generalized vitiligo.
• Segmental Vitiligo: This type occurs on one side of the body.
• Focal Vitiligo: Characterized by skin discolouration in one or a few small areas, focal vitiligo may stop spreading, and skin pigmentation can sometimes be restored.

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. You may seek professional help for stress management 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. Opt for freshly prepared, home-cooked meals.
• Avoid Alcohol, Smoking, and Excess Caffeine: These can negatively impact your overall health and trigger skin conditions.
• Sleep Well: Ensure 7-8 hours of uninterrupted 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 and D3 levels 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 halting the spread of white patches and restoring skin colour through cosmetic procedures when possible.

Conclusion

White patches on the skin can have various causes, as discussed in the blog. 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, seeking treatment and evaluation from a doctor is crucial. 

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. Zhonghui Hu, Tao Wang. Beyond skin white spots: Vitiligo and associated comorbidities. Front Med (Lausanne). 2023 Feb 23;10:1072837. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9995999/#:~:text=A%2010%2Dyear%20retrospective%20study,1%20diabetes%20mellitus%20(35)
2. Sharmila Patil, Manjyot Gautam, Nitin Nadkarni, Neha Saboo, Kiran Godse, Maninder Singh Setia. Gender Differences in Clinicoepidemiological Features of Vitiligo: A Cross-Sectional Analysis. ISRN Dermatol. 2014 Feb 13;2014:186197. Available from:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3947737/
3. Donald N. Givler, Haitham M. Saleh, Amy Givler. Pityriasis Alba. StatPearls [Internet]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431061/

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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