What Causes White Spots on Skin?

White spots on skin can be concerning, especially if they appear suddenly or seem to spread. These spots may vary in size, shape and severity, depending on the underlying cause. Understanding what causes white spots on skin can help you identify whether they are harmless or require professional attention.

Many people notice these changes after sun exposure, dry weather, or periods of irritation. White spots can appear as small specks, patches, or scattered discoloration. They can develop anywhere, from the arms and shoulders to the face, legs, or back. While most causes are harmless, others may signal conditions that benefit from dermatologic care.

What Are White Spots on Skin?

White spots on skin, also known as hypopigmentation, occur when the skin loses melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. These spots can appear anywhere on the body and may range from tiny white spots to larger patches. While white spots on skin are generally harmless, they can sometimes signal an underlying health condition.

Some people describe them as “white patches,” “dry white spots on skin,” or even “tiny white dots” depending on their appearance. These descriptions often vary based on the cause, ranging from mild dryness and sun exposure to chronic skin conditions like eczema or fungal infections.

Common Causes of White Spots on Skin

White spots on skin can arise from various conditions, ranging from fungal infections to chronic skin disorders. Below, we explore some of the most common causes of white skin spots, their symptoms and available treatments.

Tinea Versicolor

One of the most frequent causes of white spots on skin is tinea versicolor, a fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of yeast that naturally lives on the skin. This condition is more common in warm, humid climates and can result in tiny white spots on skin, as well as patches that appear lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.

Symptoms: Small, scaly, white or discolored patches, often on the chest, back and shoulders.
Treatment: Antifungal creams, shampoos or oral medications prescribed by a dermatology provider.

People often notice these “white sun spots on skin” after summer or vacations due to sun exposure combined with heat and sweat. Good hygiene, wearing breathable fabrics, and antifungal body washes can help prevent recurrence.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a condition where the immune system attacks the melanocytes, leading to the loss of skin pigmentation. It can cause white skin spots of varying sizes and shapes, often appearing symmetrically on the body.

Symptoms: Smooth, white patches on the skin, often around the face, hands and feet.
Treatment: While there is no cure, treatments such as topical steroids, non-steroidal creams, phototherapy or skin grafts may help restore pigmentation.

Vitiligo may start as a small white spot on skin before expanding into larger areas. Because it can impact self-esteem, seeking early evaluation and support can make a significant difference in management.

Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis (White Sun Spots)

White sun spots on skin, also known as idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, are small, flat white spots caused by prolonged sun exposure. These spots are harmless and typically appear on areas of the body that receive the most sun exposure, such as the arms and legs.

Symptoms: Tiny, round, white spots on sun-exposed skin.
Treatment: Prevention through sunscreen use is key. Treatments are not very effective once these have formed, but sometimes there is improvement with cryotherapy or laser therapy.

If you’ve noticed small white spots on your legs or arms that don’t tan in the summer, they may be these harmless “white sun spots.” While they’re not dangerous, consistent sun protection can prevent new ones from forming.

Pityriasis Alba

Pityriasis alba is a common skin condition in children and adolescents. It causes white patches, typically on the face, and is linked to mild eczema.

Symptoms: Round or oval, slightly scaly white patches on the face or upper body.
Treatment: Moisturizers and mild steroid creams can help improve the appearance of the spots.

These dry white spots on skin often become more noticeable after sun exposure because the surrounding skin tans while the patches remain lighter. Gentle cleansers, fragrance-free moisturizers, and sunscreen are usually enough to manage the condition.

Eczema and Psoriasis

Chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can sometimes cause white patches due to skin inflammation and healing processes.

Symptoms: Dry skin with itchy, scaly patches that may become lighter as they heal.
Treatment: Topical treatments, phototherapy or prescription medications to manage inflammation.

In these cases, white spots often represent post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, areas where inflammation temporarily disrupts pigment. They can appear as small white spots on the arms, legs, or face, especially after flare-ups. Regular hydration and consistent treatment routines can reduce recurrence.

Less Common Causes of White Spots on Skin

Less common causes of white spots include:

Lichen sclerosus, a rare condition that causes thin, white patches on the skin, typically in the genital area. It can lead to discomfort and scarring if untreated.
Leukoderma, also known as chemical leukoderma. It occurs after exposure to certain chemicals, leading to white patches on the skin.
Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation can sometimes appear as white spots after an injury, rash or burn. This loss of pigmentation can be temporary or permanent and is due to the inflammation and scarring.
Congenital conditions like piebaldism or albinism result in white patches or complete loss of pigmentation.

Other factors like aging, sun damage, and nutritional deficiencies may also contribute. In some cases, reduced melanin production due to vitamin deficiencies (particularly vitamin D and calcium) can lead to mild hypopigmentation. Always discuss persistent or changing white spots with a dermatologist to rule out treatable causes.

Can Weather or Seasonal Changes Cause White Spots on Skin?

Yes, changes in weather, especially dry or sunny conditions, can play a big role in why white spots appear. Cold, dry air can strip moisture from your skin, making lighter patches more visible, while heat and humidity can increase sweat and oil buildup that encourage fungal growth such as tinea versicolor.

During winter, you may notice more “dry white spots on skin” due to dehydration and reduced humidity. In contrast, summer months often reveal “white sun spots on skin” after tanning, when certain areas fail to darken evenly.

To help protect your skin year-round:

Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers daily to maintain hydration.
Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ before sun exposure, even on cloudy days.
Avoid over-exfoliating or using harsh scrubs, which can worsen irritation or uneven tone.
Shower and change clothing after heavy sweating to reduce fungal buildup.

Being consistent with skincare across the seasons helps prevent many of the most common white spot triggers, keeping your skin balanced, hydrated, and evenly toned all year long.

White Spots on Different Skin Tones

White or lighter patches can appear on any skin tone, but they may look and behave differently depending on your natural pigmentation. Recognizing these differences helps with proper diagnosis and care.

On Fair to Light Skin

White spots may appear subtle, sometimes only visible under certain lighting or after tanning. Common culprits include idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (“white sun spots”), mild eczema, or dry, flaky skin. These conditions tend to blend gradually into the surrounding tone.

On Medium to Olive Skin

Spots are often more noticeable, creating contrast between lighter and tanned areas. Sun exposure and fungal conditions are frequent causes. Pigment changes can also follow healed acne or rashes, leaving temporary light marks known as post-inflammatory hypopigmentation.

On Darker Skin Tones

White patches or hypopigmented spots can appear sharply defined and sometimes mistaken for vitiligo. Conditions such as tinea versicolor, pityriasis alba, or eczema may stand out more prominently. Because darker skin naturally contains more melanin, any loss of pigment appears brighter by comparison.

How to Prevent White Spots on Skin

While not all causes of white skin spots can be prevented, certain measures can reduce the risk:

Use Sunscreen: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays to prevent white sun spots and other sun-related damage.
Maintain Skin Hygiene: Regularly cleanse your skin to prevent fungal infections like tinea versicolor.
Moisturize: Keeping your skin hydrated can help prevent conditions like pityriasis alba and eczema.

Are White Spots on Skin Permanent?

Not always. Many cases of white spots, especially those caused by dryness, sun exposure, or mild fungal infections, can fade with proper care and treatment. However, conditions such as vitiligo or idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis may be longer lasting or permanent. Dermatologists can often improve discoloration with targeted therapies such as topical medications, laser treatments, or phototherapy.

If you’re unsure whether your white patches will go away, track their progression over several weeks and schedule a skin check. Early intervention gives the best chance of full pigment recovery.

When to See a Dermatologist for White Spots

White spots on skin are often harmless, but they can sometimes signal an underlying health condition that requires medical attention. Consider consulting a dermatology provider if you notice the following:

Persistent White Spots: Spots that do not fade or worsen over time.
Spreading or Growing Spots: White skin spots that spread to other areas of the body.
Accompanying Symptoms: Itching, pain, redness or scaling.
Emotional Distress: If white spots on skin cause self-consciousness or anxiety.

A dermatology specialist can assess your skin, provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend effective treatments. Whether you’re dealing with tiny white spots on skin, white sun spots on skin or larger patches, seeking professional advice is the best way to ensure healthy, clear skin.

How Dermatologists Diagnose and Treat White Spots on Skin

If white patches or pale spots persist, a dermatologist can identify what’s causing the pigment changes and determine the best course of treatment. Diagnosis typically starts with a visual skin exam, but may also include specialized tools to pinpoint the underlying issue.

How white spots are diagnosed:

Wood’s Lamp Examination: A handheld UV light that helps highlight pigment loss, fungal growth, or uneven melanin distribution.
Skin Scraping or Culture: Used to confirm fungal infections like tinea versicolor.
Skin Biopsy: In some cases, a small sample is taken to rule out autoimmune conditions such as vitiligo or lichen sclerosus.
Medical History Review: Your provider may ask about recent sun exposure, new products, or previous rashes to understand potential triggers.

In-Office Treatment Options

Once a diagnosis is made, dermatology providers may recommend:

Topical antifungals or corticosteroids for fungal or inflammatory causes.
Light therapy or laser therapy to even skin tone and stimulate pigment cells in conditions like vitiligo.
Prescription retinoids or topical calcineurin inhibitors to encourage cell turnover and reduce inflammation.
Chemical peels or exfoliating treatments to remove superficial discoloration caused by dryness or sun exposure.

In some cases, microdermabrasion, cryotherapy, or newer pigment-restoring therapies can help fade stubborn white spots. Dermatologists customize care based on the size, cause, and sensitivity of each area, ensuring a safe and natural-looking result.

At-Home Care After Diagnosis

Even after professional treatment, ongoing skin care plays a major role in preventing new spots from forming. Dermatologists often recommend:

Using daily sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Applying gentle, hydrating moisturizers to maintain a strong barrier.
Avoiding tanning beds or harsh exfoliants that can worsen uneven pigment.
Checking your skin monthly for any new or changing white areas.

Combining professional treatment with consistent at-home maintenance is the best way to restore balanced tone and keep your skin healthy long-term.

White Spot Treatment at Schweiger Dermatology Group

If you’re struggling with white spots on skin, the experts at Schweiger Dermatology Group are here to help. Our experienced dermatologists and dermatology specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of skin conditions. Call 844-DERM-DOC or book online to connect with a dermatology provider today.