What causes white spots on face? – Dr. Rasya Dixit

White spots on the face are something called as p alba or polymorphous light eruptions. When we say p alba, they are dry patches on the skin which are ill defined. They are usually dry and scaly, that means they seem as if some powder is coming off it. This is seen in people who do not use mild face wash or moisturizers on the skin and in some people who are prone to allergic tendency like dust allergy , they are prone to p alba. Usually they will say that they had these patches right from childhood. Another is the polymorphous light eruptions, where there is a mild sun allergy. There is a mild irritation and redness of the skin when they go out in the sun. Both these conditions use a gentle soap free face wash, use of face wash which is nice and water based called as hyaluronicacid and use a broad spectrum sunscreen, use it every 3 months, whether you are indoors or outdoors. This will help to bring the problem down. Misuse of over the counter creams or fairness creams could give you patchy whiteness of the skin. This will not get better with the treatment unless you stop the treatment. If with this your white patch does not get better, then it is better to consult your dermatologist because it could be a vitiligo or a leucoderma. Stop using any home care products. Use the gentle face wash, sunscreen and moisturizers. It will resolve in 2 – 3 weeks. If it does not get better, then consult your dermatologist.