White Spots on the Face: Causes and Natural Treatments
You may have observed white spots on the face of different people. They occur in all age groups. White spots develop at some age in life and then fade away. However, having white spots on face can cause you a lot of distress.
The locations of the white spots or white patches vary person to person. They can appear on cheeks, all over face or just on the forehead. Sometimes these white spots may spread to other body parts as well.
There may be different causes of white spots such as stress, hormone imbalance, environmental factors, therapeutic effects or other disorders. Therefore, you must consult your doctor to diagnose them correctly.
Also Read: Red Spots on the Face
What Causes White Spots on Face?
White spots on the face is an annoying skin condition that can distort your facial complexion and natural beauty.
Hence it becomes necessary to find and fix the underlying causes for white spots on face. Here are some common reasons why you develop the white patches on your face.
1. Milia
Milia is a condition in which white cysts appear on your face. This skin condition can occur in children as well as adults. The cysts are not painful or itchy, and they usually tend to go on their own. However, you should get in touch with your doctor if the condition doesn’t improve within a few months (1)
2. Vitiligo
Vitiligo is when your skin loses the pigmentation because melanocytes or color-producing cells stop functioning. White patches on the face appear that look like part of your skin.
Vitiligo can affect other parts of the body, like hands, feet, genital areas and elbows. The causes of vitiligo are still unknown, but some studies suggest that it is an autoimmune disease (2).
3. Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor is a fungal skin infection. It is a chronic condition in which discoloration of skin patches occur. The fungus obstructs the functioning of the color producing cells. The white spots developed may be lighter or darker than your normal skin color (3).
White patches on the skin are common among people living in hot and humid climate or those with oily skin.
4. Pregnancy
White patches on face may also occur due to pregnancy. During the early days of pregnancy, your body goes through a lot of changes, including skin changes. Tinea Versicolor can develop along with the other bodily changes. However, it doesn’t matter to worry as the skin color returns to its normal level.
5. Pityriasis Alba
Pityriasis Alba is a type of eczema in which patches on the skin occur. These patches are often flaky, oval and may cause itching (4).
They may not be white in color but appear as a light pink colored rash on the skin. The exact causes for Pityriasis Alba are unknown but at times is considered as a type of eczema. Pityriasis Alba rashes do not have a distinct border like vitiligo.
5. Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis
Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis causes white spots on face as a result of long-term UV exposure. These spots are flat and two to five millimeters in diameter. They are also known as sun spots. Light skinned people are more likely to develop this condition. These white spots are often noticed in people around 40 years of age (5).
Apart from causes mentioned above, vitamin B 12 deficiency can also cause white spots on the face. Excess sun exposure, unhealthy diet or uncontrolled food intake can also cause discoloration or white patches or spots on your skin.
How to Get Rid of White Spots on Face: Natural Treatments to Remove White Spots on Your Face
The white patches or white spots on the skin, especially on the face look very unpleasant. Skin discoloration may negatively affect your self-esteem and confidence. Don’t worry, here are few effective home remedies that can help you get rid of these white spots on your face and other body parts.
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is known for its antiseptic properties. A combination of mustard oil and turmeric can help you eliminate the white spots. Mix turmeric powder well with the mustard oil and apply this mixture twice to the affected area.
A paste of turmeric and neem leaves is another effective remedy for white spots. Apply the paste on the white patches of the skin daily.
2. Neem Extracts
Neem is very useful for skin problems and infections. It helps to fight immunity disorders. Make powder of dried neem leaves along with its dried flower and fruits. Mix a teaspoon of this powder in a glass of water and drink it every day.
Neem powder can be applied topically. Make a paste of neem leaves using water and apply it on white patches of the skin. If you follow this regularly, it reduces the white spots significantly.
3. Honey
Honey has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It can help your skin glow and maintain its natural color. Here’s how to use honey to restore the skin’s natural color – Firstly, clean the affected area with soap and lukewarm water. After drying the white spot, apply honey and allow the skin to absorb it properly.
A paste of two tablespoons of the honey, one teaspoon of sandalwood powder, rice, and turmeric will also help. Apply the paste on the affected skin, leave it for ten minutes. Then wash it with water. Follow this practice every alternative day for a month.
4. Copper
Drinking water from copper vessels and glass is the best way to improve your immunity. Keep a copper glass full of drinking water overnight. During this time copper will react with water. Drinking the water with copper ions on an empty stomach in the morning can help recover your skin discoloration. Copper helps in the reproduction of melanin.
5. Basil
Basil is considered highly beneficial for skin problems. Holy basil oil on the white spots can serve as a best effective remedy for white spots on face. Apply a paste of basil leaves on the white patches. A mixture of basil leaves paste, and turmeric powder can also be used to wash the white spots of skin.
6. Figs
Eating one to two raw figs for a month or two can help you purify blood and improve blood circulation. This will assist in resolving the white patches of your skin. Powdered dry figs mixed with water when applied to the affected areas will also help get relief from white spots on face.
7. Cabbage Juice
Incorporating cabbage juice in your daily diet can help you get relief from white patches. Topical application of cabbage leaf may also help. Leave it there for ten to fifteen minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
8. Vitamin B
Sometimes the white spots are developed because of indigestion and vitamin B deficiency. Vitamin B is the effective treatment for digestion related issues. Regular intake of vitamin B can help reduce white patches over the time.
Eat fruits and vegetables containing vitamin C to lower the risk of developing white spots. You can also apply the juices of fruits containing vitamin C to the affected areas of the skin.
9. Reduce stress
Stress causes hormonal imbalance which in turn may cause white spots on the skin. Try to reduce your stress by working out regularly or by consumption of omega-3 fatty acid containing food. This will help to reduce the white spots on the face.
10. Reduce the Sun Exposure
Prolonged exposure to sun rays can be a reason of white spots on your skin. Avoid exposure to sun rays, if you already have white spots on your skin or face. White patches are more susceptible to the sun as they lack the melanin to protect the skin. Use an umbrella or apply sunscreen lotion to avoid the side effects of sun exposure.
11. Avoid Chemical Exposures
Avoid prolonged exposure to chemicals such as detergents or household chemicals. Prolonged exposure to chemicals destroys the melanin pigment of the skin.
When to See a Doctor?
Although white spots on the face shouldn’t be a major concern for you, it does affect you psychologically. Most of the white spots recover themselves with time. But, if you notice the spots are spreading all over your body, it is important to consult a dermatologist immediately.
Early identification of the cause will help the doctor treat it better. It will also contribute to resolve discoloration and restore pigmentation.
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