What Causes White Spots On Lips
The white dot on your lips can be many things, including:
Can White Spots Be Caused By Worms
With a worm infection, it is possible to have an impairment in the absorption of vitamins and nutrients through digestion, and this can cause white spot on the skin. However, white spots do not always appear with worm infections. Some food can also cause white spots on the skin, especially those with calcium, vitamin D and vitamin E, like milk, sardines, butter and peanuts.
If the cause of white spots on the skin is actually a worm infection, this should be confirmed with a stool sample so that treatment can be initiated.
Professional Treatments For White Sunspots
White sunspot treatments carried out by a professional use more potent solutions that tend to have a greater impact on IGH by treating deeper layers of skin than OTC methods.
While full repigmentation is still unlikely, the various tools and procedures utilized in these treatmentsincluding lasers, dermabrasion, chemical peels and cryotherapycan improve the localized lack of melanin that causes white sunspots.
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How Is Vitiligo Diagnosed
A dermatologist can usually tell if someone has vitiligo just by looking for the telltale white patches. On people with fair skin, a special tool called a Woods lamp might be used. This lamp uses ultraviolet light in a dark room to illuminate areas of damaged skin that would otherwise be hard to see with the naked eye.
Your doctor will ask about your medical history, and probably also ask you about:
- any skin conditions you or anyone in your family has had
- past immune problems you or anyone in your family has had
- any recent rashes or sunburns
- whether you’ve been ill or under stress recently
The doctor also may do a blood test to check for thyroid problems and diabetes, since they can increase the risk of vitiligo.
Very occasionally a doctor may do a biopsy removing a small piece of the affected area to check whether there are pigment cells in the skin. If the biopsy shows there are no pigment cells, this may confirm a case of vitiligo.
What Are The Types Of Vitiligo
There are three types of vitiligo, depending on how many patches someone has and where they are on the body:
- Focal vitiligo. A person has a few vitiligo spots in a single area.
- Generalized vitiligo. A person has many vitiligo patches all over the body and they tend to affect the right and left sides of the body in a symmetrical pattern, like a mirror image. This is the most common type of vitiligo.
- Segmental vitiligo. A person has vitiligo patches on one part or side of the body and usually nowhere else. This is the least common type of vitiligo.
Vitiligo can happen anywhere on the body, but it’s more likely to develop in some areas:
- skin that’s exposed to the sun, such as the face or hands
- skin that has folds, such as the elbows, knees, or groin
- skin around the eyes, nostrils, belly button, and genital areas
Because pigment cells give color to hair as well as skin, some teens with vitiligo may notice graying of the hair or a loss of color on the lips.
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When To See Your Doctor About White Spots On Your Skin
In order to spot melanoma, you need to pay attention to any changes in moles, birthmarks, pimples or bruises on your body. Annual skin cancer screenings are suggested for anyone with a history of melanoma, using a tanning bed, blistering sunburns, significant regular sun exposure and organ transplant recipients. And while white sun spots in their varying forms might not usually pose additional dangers, if you notice any changes in your skin tone, you should see a dermatologist for evaluation just to be safe.
I tell every patient to use protection from the sun and I would do that even more if you have pigmentary problems, says Dr. Poblete-Lopez. Areas without pigment cells are more vulnerable to the development of skin cancers.
What Is The Treatment
If the spots are psychologically bothersome, the easiest treatment is cosmetic camouflage or applying a dab of foundation or concealer to the area.
Topical retinoids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, cryotherapy, chemical peels and superficial dermabrasion can be effective in treating the condition, the review of studies noted. These treatments would be considered cosmetic and likely not covered by insurance.
Ultimately, there arent many great options so prevention is probably the best medicine, Friedman said.
That means focusing on good sun protection sunscreen, physical protectants like clothing, avoiding the sun at peak hours and seeking shade especially if IGH runs in your family.
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Causes And Types Of Raised Skin Bumps
The most common causes of raised skin bumps are harmless and do not require medical treatment unless you have discomfort. Here are some of the possible reasons for raised skin bumps:
Less commonly, raised skin bumps are caused by more serious conditions that require treatment. Certain bacterial and viral infections cause bumps and will only get worse if they go undiagnosed and untreated. These serious conditions include:
- chickenpox, a common childhood virus characterized by red, itchy bumps that form all over the body
- impetigo, a bacterial skin infection common in young children that is highly contagious and results in reddish blisters that ooze and develop a honey-colored crust
- MRSA infection, an illness triggered by a staph bacteria that commonly lives on the skin, causing a swollen, painful bump with a white center
- scabies, a skin infestation caused by a tiny mite called Sarcoptes scabiei, producing an itchy, pimple-like rash
Other types of raised skin bumps can be caused by skin cancer. There are several types of skin cancer, all requiring medical management and treatment:
Most skin bumps are harmless and arent cause for concern. However, you should see your doctor if:
- skin bumps change or worsen in appearance, or last for a long time
- you are in pain or they cause discomfort
- you dont know the cause of the bumps
- you suspect you have an infection or skin cancer
The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you dont already have a doctor.
When To Seek Help For Dry Skin Patches
You should contact a doctor if your dry skin becomes severe or doesnt go away. Its also a good idea to get checked out if you think your dry skin might be a sign of an underlying illness.
Seeking out early treatment for your skin condition may lead to a better outcome. The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you dont already have a dermatologist.
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Sun Damaged Skin Solar Elastosis
Online dermatologist questionI have had white spots progressively get worse mostly on my jaw line on both sides. I am 40 use sunscreen daily and dont tan. I have gone to the derm about this before and they treated it like it was a fungal skin issue but got no results. I am thinking I need laser treatment and would like guidance on what would be the best type for me.
Online dermatologist answerBased on the images and information provided, this is most likely SOLAR ELASTOSIS . The skin tends to bruise easier,heal slower and/or have lighter areas of pigmentation. You should try to avoid trauma to the skin and make sure to wear sunscreen SPF 30 or greater with UVA and UVB protection every day.This could also be PITYRIASIS ALBA . Over the counter hydrocortisone cream used twice daily for 10-14 days can help PITYRASIS ALBA. If no improvement within one month after doing the above measures, you should see a dermatologist for a possible biopsy and treatment.
White spots/patches on the back. Looks like decolorization.
Treatments For White Spots On Skin
Sun exposure that causes white spots on skin are generally considered harmless. However, some people find the spots visually unpleasant and ask their doctor for treatment. Your doctor may recommend different treatments, including:
Carbon dioxide lasers and cryotherapy may cause swelling and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or darkening in the area. This may be long term and cause more skin problems.
The best treatment for avoiding white sun spots on skin is to protect the skin from the sun. Wear sunscreen daily and avoid tanning beds.
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What Are Those White Spots On My Childs Face
Tis the season. . . as summer rolls around Ive again started getting questions almost daily from parents worried about scattered white spots that are appearing on their childs face. Parents often worry that these skin changes are a sign of vitamin deficiency or some sort of infection, but they are most often due to a very common but somewhat mysterious skin condition called pityriasis alba.
We dont understand exactly what causes pityriasis alba, but we do know that it is not dangerous and is not related to a more serious condition inside your childs body. It is thought to be a type of dermatitis that leads to post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. This means that the skin is dry or irritated in some way and the skin is left injured. The affected areas appear lighter that other areas of the skin, especially after sun exposure. This is why parents start to notice and ask about this condition in the late spring and early summer- the contrast between affected skin and healthy skin is more obvious after kids start playing outside more.
There are other skin conditions that cause patchy or more generalized whitening of the skin, such as vitiligo, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or tinea versicolor. If you think your child may have one of these conditions, talk with your childs health care provider.
White Spots From Sun Damage
While the above skin conditions are mostly through no fault of the sufferer, white spots on the skin caused by sun damage are definitely preventable. In this case, the skin has been so affected by the UV rays that it stops producing melanin â the skin chemical that gives it color.
While these spots are caused by too much sun, they are not skin cancer. However, they can be a good indication that you are spending too much time in the sun and are likely to be a sign that you might have other moles on your skin that you should keep an eye on.
While white spots on the skin may in most causes be nothing to worry about, they may indicate that you need to take a little more care of your skin. Using sunscreen, avoiding trigger foods and generally caring for your skin can help to avoid these white spots and will keep your skin looking healthy.
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Causes Of Rashes In Children
Children are particularly prone to rashes that develop as a result of illnesses:
- Chickenpox is caused by a virus, and the rash is characterized by small itchy bumps and blisters that form all over the body.
- Measles is a viral respiratory infection that causes a widespread rash consisting of itchy, red bumps.
- Scarlet fever is an infection due to group A Streptococcus bacteria that produces a toxin, causing a bright red or skin-tone-colored, sandpaper-like rash.
- Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral infection that can cause red lesions on the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet.
- Fifth disease is a viral infection that causes a red, flat rash on the torso, arms, and legs.
- Kawasaki disease is a rare but serious illness that triggers a rash and fever in the early stages and can lead to heart complications.
- Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection that causes an itchy, crusty rash and yellow, fluid-filled sores on the affected area, such as the face, neck, or hands.
You can treat most contact rashes, but it depends on the cause. Follow these guidelines to help ease discomfort and speed up the healing process:
How To Remove White Spots From Face
There are a handful of treatments for removing white spots, patches or marks from the face. A dermatologist will recommend the suitable treatment option for you based on the underlying cause. He may choose any of the following modalities:
- Light-based Treatment: Narrowband Ultraviolet B , Psoralens in combination with Ultraviolet A and Excimer laser work by altering the immune response and the stimulation of pigment-producing cells, i.e. melanocytes.Procedural treatments: Your dermatologist may perform any of the following clinical procedures depending on the cause of the white patches.
- Milia: Extraction with needling or radiofrequency to eliminate the contents of milia.
- Vitiligo: Besides the medications, your dermatologist may consider specific procedure-based treatments for treating vitiligo depending upon the site, stability and age of the client. These include- dermabrasion, grafting techniques, melanocyte transplantation, tattooing etc.
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Treatments For White Sunspots
Some people may opt to treat sunspots on aesthetic grounds by one of two ways: over-the-counter creams and professional treatments.
Unfortunately, treating IGH is particularly difficult. At-home treatments are limited to topicals which require months of regular application to achieve even minor results. Professional treatments offer quicker and typically more superior results, however, even the best available options will not fully fade spots.
Differences Between Pityriasis Versicolor And Vitiligo
Pityriasis versicolor can sometimes be confused with vitiligo, as they both cause the skin to become discoloured in patches.
But there are ways to tell the difference:
- vitiligo often develops symmetrically , while pityriasis versicolor may not
- skin affected by vitiligo usually has a normal texture, while areas affected by pityriasis versicolor are usually slightly scaly or flaky
- vitiligo is more common around the mouth, eyes, fingers, wrists, armpits and groin, while pityriasis versicolor tends to develop on the back, chest, upper arms, neck and tummy
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Skin Spots You Shouldn’t Worry About
Some spots caused by aging and sun exposure are benign, while others need medical attention. Learn the difference.
If you’ve recently spent any time in the sun, you may have noticed that you have a few more spotsbrown or tan or whiteon the exposed parts of your body. Even if you always use sun protection now, you can still develop skin changes caused by sun exposure decades ago. The good news is that most of these will not be cancerous. However, distinguishing benign spots from those that warrant medical attention can be somewhat tricky. Though the following are caused by sun exposure, they won’t progress to cancer.
What Is Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis
Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis is the medical term for white spots on the skin. The name is descriptive, referring to the cause and appearance of these spots: idiopathic means the cause is unknown, guttate refers to their teardrop shape and hypomelanosis, the lighter-colored skin.
IGH spots appear gradually on the skin over time and tend to be small commonly between 26 mm. Most are smooth to the touch, but some can feel scaly.
While the factors that lead to IGH are still disputed and a definitive cause has yet to be established, the most commonly accepted explanation is that the melanin production process is disrupted by accumulated ultraviolet damage as a result of years of sun exposure.
This link to sun exposure is partially based on the fact that the spots most often appear on areas exposed to the sun such as the arms, legs, face and back.
Although sun damage is one explanation for these spots, others believe they are part of the natural aging process. Genetics may also predispose some to IGH as the condition seems to run in families.
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Truly Depigmented Spots That Are Not Vitiligo
If the spots enhance under Woods lamp, they could be from vitiligo or a small number of other conditions. One is idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis , or small spots that appear on skin that has had chronic sun exposure .
idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis
Often these are hypopigmented, not depigmented , but sometimes they are depigmented and enhance on Woods lamp. If they are evenly distributed , remain small , and are on the right areas of the body, then theyre probably IGH and not vitiligo.
Another condition that rarely causes a true white spot is nevus depigmentosus, which is a birthmark that usually appears within the first few months of life, has jagged edges, usually doesnt turn the hair white, and doesnt grow in size like vitiligo it may get larger as the child grows and the skin stretches, but not quickly the way vitiligo does .
Nevus Depigmentosus
If your dermatologist isnt sure if the spot is nevus depigmentosus or segmental vitiligo, a biopsy can tell for sure, but its not always necessary. I guess that albinism should be mentioned here, although that is present at birth and results in no skin color at all , so its pretty easy to distinguish.
Albinism
Finally, piebaldism causes depigmentation localized to just the front of the body , includes a white forelock or white hair at the front of the scalp, is present from birth, and usually runs in families. Thats about it for true white spots!
Piebaldism