There are several diseases that cause white patches on the face. Nonetheless, typically, they don’t seem to be a cause for concern. Learn more here.
White patches on the face are attributable to many reasons. Sometimes they’re attributable to harmless problems, reminiscent of mycosis or freckles. Other times, the difficulty could also be related to something more serious, reminiscent of dermatitis or vitiligo.
Subsequently, white patches on the face aren’t a difficulty that it is best to just let go. It’s needed to watch them, search for other symptoms that will accompany them, and seek the advice of a dermatologist.
If the white patches on the face are accompanied by flaking of the skin or itching, the very best thing to do just isn’t to delay consulting a specialist. Early attention is the very best solution to prevent more serious problems.
Diseases that cause white patches on the face
There are several diseases and conditions that result in white patches on the face. Amongst probably the most common are the next.
1. Pityriasis Multicolor or Pityriasis Versicolor
Pityriasis multicolor is maybe probably the most common reason for white patches on the face. Although these light patches are often positioned on the torso and arms, they aren’t unusual on the face either.
Sometimes they’re light in color, but they may also be brown or pink. The origin is a fungus and it occurs more ceaselessly in the summertime.
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2. Pityriasis alba
It is a disease that first generates red spots, in addition to itching and scaling. After the red patches disappear, they leave white patches on the face or other areas of the body.
These patches have scales and a slight bluish tint. It’s rare and occurs mostly in children.
3. Guttate hypomelanosis
Guttate hypomelanosis is the technical name given to well-known sunspots. They arise where skin pigment has been lost.
So there could also be white patches on the face or other areas of the body. They measure 1 to three millimeters and science still doesn’t explain the precise cause. They almost at all times occur in fair-skinned people who find themselves ceaselessly exposed to the sun.
4. Vitiligo
Vitiligo is one other disease that causes white spots on different parts of the body. It normally appears first within the areas most exposed to the sun.
It sometimes spreads slowly, but may also spread rapidly. It’s believed to be an autoimmune pathology with genetic roots. It’s more common in middle-aged adults.
5. Milia
Within the case of this disease, there aren’t only white patches on the face, but these even have a certain volume. These bumps are rarely larger than 2 millimeters.
They’re formed by the buildup of oil and dead skin cells, that are stuffed with keratin, under the surface of the skin. This ends in a plug that shows through the skin. Milia has a reasonably regular presence on tattoos.
6. Sebaceous hyperplasia
This disorder corresponds to an atypical growth of the sebaceous glands. These are present in the deeper layers of the skin and produce sebum, a substance that lubricates the skin.
When enlarged, they exert pressure and create a white, yellowish, or colorless bump on the skin surface. This problem is more common in people over the age of 40.
7. Sebaceous cysts
Sebaceous cysts are very similar in appearance to sebaceous hyperplasia bumps. The difference is that the cysts move when pushed with the fingers, while the opposite bumps stay firmly in place.
They give the impression of being like a small ball of water under the skin. After they grow too big they may cause pain.
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8. Seborrheic keratosis
Seborrheic keratosis also belongs to the group of diseases that cause white patches on the face with volume. They grow to be multiple inch in diameter.
They alter color over time and switch brown. Their appearance is sort of a drop of wax stuck to the skin. They’re more common in middle-aged or older adults.
9. Xanthelasma
The characteristic of this disease is the appearance of small bumps on the eyelids or across the eyes. These are irregular and sometimes have a yellowish hue.
They’re believed to be the results of a high level of cholesterol within the blood. Actually, they’re fatty deposits which are concentrated under the surface of the skin.
10. Skin cancer
Basal cell skin cancer may begin with the formation of a pearly white bump, but it surely might also produce other colours, reminiscent of pink, red, or brown. Also, sometimes there are white patches on the face or other areas. These are rough and scaly. They give the impression of being like sores that is not going to heal.
Treatment options for white patches on the face
Treatment for conditions that cause white patches on the face will depend on the sort of condition and its level of severity. Sometimes it’s possible to make use of over-the-counter products, reminiscent of salicylic acid or topical retinoids.
Other times manual removal is required, within the case of bumps. Also, specific medication or more complex approaches with surgery, cryotherapy, immunotherapy, or chemotherapy could also be needed.
Regardless of the cause, the reality is that each time white patches appear on the face, it’s best to seek the advice of a physician. Remedies or solutions shouldn’t be attempted and not using a diagnosis and skilled approval.
If the white patches on the face appear very suddenly or spread rapidly, consultation is urgent. Likewise, in the event that they occupy a big area, grow without stopping, itch, bleed, hurt, or remain for a very long time without going away.
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All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to make sure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this text was considered reliable and of educational or scientific accuracy.
- Giacaman, A., del Pozo, L. J., Corral-Magaña, O., & Antón, E. (2017). Milia in a multicolored tattoo: dermoscopic findings. Medicina Cutánea Ibero-Latino-Americana, 45(1), 72-74.
- Mendez Mathey, V. E. (2017). Queratosis seborreica. Revista Medica Herediana, 28(4), 266-266.
- Mazzeo, M., Manfreda, V., Diluvio, L., Dattola, A., Bianchi, L., & Campione, E. (2019). Análisis dermatoscópico de 72 queratosis seborreicas «atípicas». Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas, 110(5), 366-371.