Don’t ignore these small white spots on your arms or legs… here’s why!”

Once the skin loses its coloration, it loses one of its major forms of protection from DNA damage caused by sunburns. White patches burn quicker than normal skin does. Therefore, wear sunscreen every day without fail, even when the weather is gloomy, to prevent what dermatologists call a “contrast effect.”

Barrier Repair

In cases where you have Pityriasis Alba, or generally dry skin, the “moisture sandwich” method should work well for you. You can put on your hydration serum or just water on your skin first, then follow with a rich moisturizer that includes ceramides.

Balance Your Microbiome

In case you tend to get those fungal related skin spots (tinea versicolor), make sure you dress in cotton or linen clothes. Polyester or other synthetic fabrics hold sweat and heat close to your skin, causing a greenhouse effect for the yeast.

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When to See a Professional
Even though the skin disorders mentioned above are among the most frequent, there are also less common skin disorders such as Lichen Sclerosus or even rare skin lymphoma that may be manifested by white spots on the body. If any of the following symptoms occur, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist:

Rapid and sudden appearance of the patches.
Patches cause thickening, pain, or bleeding of the skin.
Patches occur in the genital region.
Loss of color leads to severe emotional distress.

A dermatologist may use a Wood’s Lamp (a special UV light) to look at your skin in a dark room. Under this light, vitiligo glows a bright “blue-white,” while fungal infections may glow a dull yellow or green, allowing for an instant and accurate diagnosis.