Many people notice small white spots appearing on their skin as they age. While this can be alarming, in most cases these white spots are benign and caused by vitamin deficiencies. Understanding what causes these spots, how to identify them, and what treatments are available can provide reassurance.
What Causes Small White Spots on Skin?
The medical name for small white spots on the skin is hypopigmentation. This means areas of the skin have lost their pigment and appear lighter than the surrounding skin. There are a few common causes of hypopigmentation:
- Vitiligo - An autoimmune condition where the melanocytes, cells that produce skin pigment, are destroyed. This leads to white patches on the skin that can spread over time. While not harmful, vitiligo can cause psychological distress.
- Pityriasis alba - Common in children, this refers to small, thin white patches that temporarily appear on the face. They are thought to be caused by a mild form of eczema or dermatitis triggered by factors like dry skin, sun exposure, and allergen sensitivity.
- Tinea versicolor - A fungal infection that leads to discolored white, pink, or brown patches on the skin, often on the trunk and shoulders. Antifungal treatments can help clear up the infection and spots.
- Nutritional deficiencies - Not getting enough vitamin B-12, folic acid, vitamin C, and zinc in your diet may cause white spots and discoloration. Supplementing to increase intake of these nutrients can help.
How to Identify Vitamin Deficiency Spots
Small white spots on your body caused by a vitamin deficiency may have the following characteristics:
- Round or oval shaped
- Smooth texture
- Thin and delicate
- Ability to tan if exposed to sun
- Most prominent on commonly exposed areas like the face, neck, hands, and arms
- Gradually increase in number over time
- No itching, pain, or irritation
The spots can range in size from a pinpoint to about the size of a penny. In some cases they may be accompanied by cracked lips, a swollen tongue, or poor wound healing indicating more severe nutrient deficiencies.
Getting Evaluated by a Dermatologist
While vitamin deficiencies are a common cause of hypopigmentation, its important to get an evaluation by a dermatologist. They can examine your skin and rule out other possible causes like:
- Fungal infections
- Autoimmune disorders
- Eczema
- Skin cancer
- Genetic conditions
Dermatologists have special lights and magnification tools to fully evaluate any skin discoloration. This allows them to get to the root cause and recommend proper treatment. Trying to self-diagnose and treat white spots can delay diagnosing a more serious issue.
Boosting Intake of Key Vitamins and Minerals
If nutritional deficiencies are the cause of small white spots, the goal of treatment is to increase intake of key vitamins and minerals through diet changes and supplementation. Some of the main nutrients involved in skin pigmentation include:
Vitamin B-12
- Found primarily in animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy
- Can be taken as an oral supplement or administered via injection for those with absorption issues
- Necessary for healthy skin cell division and growth
Folic acid
- Found in green leafy vegetables, fortified grains, beans and citrus fruits
- Made by bacteria in a healthy gut
- Plays a key role in skin cell regeneration and melanin production
Vitamin C
- Abundant in fruits and vegetables like oranges, peppers, broccoli and spinach
- Has antioxidant properties to protect skin cells against damage
- Enhances collagen production for firm, smooth skin
Zinc
- Found in seafood, red meat, nuts and seeds
- Also available as oral supplements and topical ointments
- Supports enzyme reactions, immune function, and tissue growth and repair
A daily multivitamin can provide balanced intake of essential vitamins and minerals for healthy skin. Additionally, eating a well-rounded diet focused on produce, proteins and whole grains ensures the body has the nutrients it needs. Stress management and adequate sleep also support skin health.
Medical Treatments for Stubborn White Spots
For small white spots caused by vitiligo that resist basic home treatments, medical interventions may be warranted, such as:
- Topical steroids - Corticosteroids applied to the skin can calm inflammation and potentially re-pigment affected areas. Example creams include clobetasol or hydrocortisone.
- Light therapy - Using UV light can stimulate melanocyte activity and pigment production. This is typically done alongside topical or oral treatments.
- Depigmentation - In severe, widespread vitiligo, bleaching agents may be used to depigment the remaining skin, creating an even pale complexion.
- Laser therapy - Lasers remove a thin top layer of skin, allowing new cells to form and generate fresh pigment.
- Skin grafts - Healthy skin cells from other parts of the body can be transplanted to areas of vitiligo.
- Micropigmentation - Permanent camouflage pigments are implanted into the skin using a specialized tattooing technique.
- JAK inhibitors - Recently approved medications like ruxolitinib work by blocking inflammatory pathways involved in vitiligo progression.
Consulting a dermatologist can help identify which advanced vitiligo treatments are most suitable based on factors like age, skin tone, location of discoloration, and percentage of skin impacted.
Coping with Self-Image Challenges of White Spots
Even though small white spots caused by vitamin deficiencies are harmless, their appearance can negatively impact confidence and self-esteem. Here are some tips for maintaining a positive self-image:
- Follow treatment plans as prescribed to keep spots from spreading or getting worse.
- Apply a self-tanning lotion to help blend and camouflage discolored areas.
- For women, use mineral powder makeup to conceal spots on the face and neck.
- If you have severe vitiligo, consider getting a tattoo to add color back to affected areas.
- Wear UV protective clothing and hats to limit sun exposure and further discoloration.
- Find a local vitiligo support group to connect with others experiencing similar skin issues.
- Seek counseling if white spots substantially worsen anxiety, depression or emotional wellbeing.
- Remind yourself that skin does not define you or diminish your value as a person.
- Celebrate unique aspects of yourself to boost confidence unrelated to appearance.
With time and treatment, small white spots often stabilize. Focusing on overall wellness helps build resilience. But speak to your doctor if skin changes cause significant self-esteem challenges.
FAQs
1. What vitamin deficiency causes white spots on skin?
White spots can be caused by deficiencies in vitamin B-12, folic acid, vitamin C and zinc. A lack of these nutrients impairs melanin production and skin cell regeneration.
2. Do vitamin D deficiencies cause white spots on skin?
Vitamin D deficiencies are very rare, but when they do occur, symptoms include bone and muscle weakness. There is little evidence linking low vitamin D to the white spots associated with other vitamin deficiencies.
3. Can zinc deficiency cause vitiligo or white spots on skin?
Yes, low zinc levels can contribute to vitiligo. Zinc supports enzyme reactions involved in making melanin. Supplementing with zinc may help repigment vitiligo spots.
4. What vitamin deficiency causes loss of pigment?
Deficiencies in the B vitamins (B-9 and B-12) and vitamin C compromise melanin synthesis and cause loss of skin pigment. Ensuring adequate intake of these nutrients through diet and supplements promotes pigment production.
5. What is the fastest way to get rid of white spots from vitamin deficiency?
Correcting the deficiency through diet changes, supplements, and in severe cases, injections or IV nutrition therapy. Additionally, topical retinoids, light therapy, and steroid creams can help speed up repigmentation of spots.
6. How can you tell if white spots on skin are caused by vitamin deficiency?
Have a dermatologist evaluate any new skin discoloration for an accurate diagnosis. If spots match the description of nutritional deficiency spots, they'll likely recommend blood work and treatment focused on diet and supplements.
7. What are the symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency on the skin?
Skin-related symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency include:
- Hyperpigmentation - excess skin darkening
- Jaundice - yellowish discoloration
- Vitiligo - loss of skin pigment causing white patches
- Angular stomatitis - cracked mouth corners
- Hair changes - thinning, greying, loss of hair color
8. Can vitamin B-12 deficiency cause permanent skin damage if left untreated?
Permanent skin changes are unlikely with B-12 deficiency. However, severely low levels can result in neurological damage. That's why its critical to recognize skin manifestations of B-12 deficiency early and correct it through diet changes, sublingual supplements or injections.
9. What foods are high in folic acid to prevent white spots?
Foods rich in folic acid include fortified cereals and grains, beets, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, lentils, chickpeas, peanuts, avocado, and citrus. Eating these foods daily helps maintain adequate folic acid intake for healthy skin.
10. Can supplements get rid of white spots on the skin?
Yes, supplements like zinc, folic acid, and antioxidants can resolve skin discoloration caused by deficiencies in these nutrients. Topical applications and phototherapy may also be used alongside oral supplementation for optimal results.
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