Symptoms That Might Indicate A Serious Condition
In very rare cases, white patches may occur with other symptoms that might indicate a serious condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have white patches along with other serious symptoms including:
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden , lips or throat
What Are The Basic Differences
Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease. That means your immune system becomes dysfunctional and chronically activated, resulting in skin changes. It causes raised, red, scaly patches on your skin or scalp.
There are multiple subtypes of psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is the most common and accounts for nearly 80-90 percent of psoriasis cases.
People with plaque psoriasis typically have sharply demarcated, raised, itchy, painful red plaques covered with silvery scales. The plaques are most often found on elbows and knees, but they can occur anywhere.
Eczema is an inflammation of the skin that can have numerous triggers. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. It typically occurs in people with a personal or family history of asthma, hay fever or other allergies, and it is often seen in children. It makes skin more sensitive and more prone to infection.
At any time in your life, you can develop eczema from dry skin or chemicals that contact the skin and trigger irritation or allergic reactions.
Neither psoriasis nor eczema is contagious, Dr. Fernandez says. But while you cant pass them from person to person, they may run in families.
Eczema Does Not Usually Leave Any Marks
Eczema is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by changes in the upper layer of the skin called the epidermis. The epidermis is made up of cells stacked on top of each other and is often compared to a brick wall. It is this wall that is altered by eczema, which expands the spaces between the cells and results in the formation of vesicles, corresponding to the small “blisters” visible on eczema patches during flare-ups. The epidermis has the ability to completely rebuild itself, which is why it returns to normal once the eczema flare-up is healed. This means that eczema does not leave scars.
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Can Stis Cause White Spots In The Mouth
There are several causes of white spots that appear in the mouth. Getting tested regularly is the right way to stay updated on your sexual health status. This is because different sexually transmitted diseases will occur with a sign of white spots in the mouth as we discussed earlier. If you are used to having unprotected intercourse with new partners, STD testing may be the best for you regularly.It is good that you know that white spots in mouth and tongue can appear as a sign of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and AIDS presence in your body.Gonorrhea and chlamydia can be treated by use of antibiotics if detected and attended to early enough. If they are treated early enough, long- term risks accompanied with gonorrhea and chlamydia can be controlled.On the other hand, HIV/AIDS is not curable, but patients can treat and manage the disease with active antiretroviral therapy , in order to maintain a high quality of life, for as long as possible. Most patents start treatment for the HIV/AIDS immediately upon receiving their test result to help prevent future symptoms and complications.If the person suffering from aids is not treated, this can result to long- term problems and even death. The first thing to do, is know your status always.
White Spots On Skin From Sun Exposure And Tanning
Sun exposure can cause what most people call white sun spots on skin. According to Dr. Greene, round and oval patches of skin discoloration may appear on the skin after sun exposure. These are more common in children and people who have had years of sun exposure or sun tanning.
Tanning in the summer during summer holidays is one of those activities that cause the small white patches of pigment loss. Other than changing the texture of your skin, sun tanning and exposure to harmful UV-rays for years can result in the development of brown freckles, the growth of lesions known as solar lentigines and the appearance of small white marks about 2-5 millimeters in size .
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Facts About White Patches:
People suffering from this condition may feel bad about how they carry themselves in public, as they might feel a lot more depressed about their looks. So, now that you know what white patches are, let us understand some important facts that surround this skin condition.
- This skin condition is not contagious
- Your child may also end up suffering from this skin condition if one or even both parents are suffering from this condition.
- This skin condition can lead to thyroid disorders.
- This skin condition is often mistaken for leprosy by many.
- It can happen to anyone at any age but most cases are reported to be before the age group of 20 years.
- Treatment for this skin condition only aims at stopping the depigmentation of the skin and help your skin regain its colour.
- Stress is said to be one of the main reasons for this skin condition.
Note: If you spot any sort of white patch on your skin, it is strictly advised that you consult a doctor at the earliest. This will at least prevent the disease from growing and promote repigmentation of discoloured skin.
Thyroid Disease Or Disorder
Thyroid disorders can also cause white patches on skin. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can have an effect on the skin and its functions. Dr. J. Margesson, MD, FRCP of the Thyroid Foundation of Canada notes that some skin disorders and diseases are associated with thyroid problems.
These diseases include vitiligo, lupus erythematosus, vitiligo and scleroderma. Severe dry skin may also be a symptom of thyroid problems.
Other minimally mentioned causes of white patches on skin include the following:
- Skin allergies
- Poor circulation of blood in the affected areas
- Ringworm effects
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Other Skin Conditions That Cause Pigmentary Changes
Eczema is not the only condition that causes pigmentary changes: they can also be caused by various other skin conditions that someone may have alongside their eczema. Two other common pigmentary skin conditions are melasma and vitiligo, but there are many rarer conditions too. So, any form of pigmentary skin problems that cannot be explained by eczema should be assessed and investigated.
Vitiligo White Splotches On Skin
Vitiligo on hands courtesy of Wikipedia
Vitiligo develops when cells called melanocytes die. Melanocytes give your skin and hair color. It causes the skin to lose its pigment in patches or blotches. This skin disease is chronic and starts to show symptoms slowly as parts of the skin start to become lighter than the rest of the skins complexion.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the loss of skin color or pigment may not be limited to the skin alone. Parts of the body with hair may be affected as well. Patients may exhibit white patches on skin and hair depending on the affected area.
There are two main types of vitiligo: segmental vitiligo and non-segmental vitiligo. Segmental vitiligo affects only one side of the body while non-segmental vitiligo affects skin on both sides such as both knees or both hands.
- The risk of vitiligo skin pigment loss is high in people with autoimmune disease.
- It occurs equally in people of all races and skin colors.
- Vitiligo rarely disappears once one gets its symptoms of skin depigmentation.
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Other Types Of Eczema
Eczema is the name for a group of skin conditions that cause dry, irritated skin. Other types of eczema include:
- atopic eczema the most common type of eczema, it often runs in families and is linked to other conditions such as asthma and hay fever
- contact dermatitis a type of eczema that happens when the skin comes into contact with a particular substance
- varicose eczema a type of eczema that usually affects the lower legs and is caused by problems with the flow of blood through the leg veins
Page last reviewed: 30 October 2019 Next review due: 30 October 2022
Infections And Eczema Blisters
Eczema blisters, no matter what type of eczema you have, can easily become infected after they burst. The damaged and raw skin is now at risk for bacteria, fungus, and viruses. Follow your eczema treatment plan to protect your skin as much as possible to lower the risk of blisters.
If you suspect a blister that has become infected, seek medical attention.
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White Patches On Skin: Causes Symptoms And Home Remedies
Any white patch found on your skin can be an alarming sign that you need to seek serious medical attention before it gets worse and begins spreading. You may begin to wonder as to why is this happening and all you need to do is to stay calm and visit a dermatologist. White patches are also known as depigmentation of the skin and if you are a person who relies on taking self-medication for the purpose, then you might be complicating your skin condition.
You need to note that advice and proper treatment from a specialist are all that matters for a start. So, make it a point to visit a doctor as soon as you come across any white patch or spot on your skin.
What Is Discoid Eczema And What Are The Symptoms
Eczema is also called dermatitis. Dermatitis is a general term which means inflammation of the skin. There are a number of different types of eczema. Discoid eczema is one of these.
Discoid eczema causes round or oval-shaped, red patches of skin on your body. So discoid refers to the disc shape of the eczema patches. Discoid eczema is also called nummular dermatitis. Nummular literally means coin-shaped, another way of describing the shape of the patches of eczema.
Discoid eczema can start as a small group of little blisters or red spots but then develops into a pinky-red, dry and scaly patch of skin. The skin patches are usually very itchy. The itching is often worse at night and can affect your sleep. Some people complain that the skin patches burn or sting.
The skin between the discoid eczema patches looks normal except that, in general, people with discoid eczema have dry skin.
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How White Spots On Tongue Look Like
They will vary depending on the nature of the cause. The spots can be small and even, but they can also be large and irregularly shaped. In numerous cases spots on the tongue begin on the side s of the tongue and spread to the center of the tongue.The spots can as well grow into a coating that covers the tongue. This can continue to grow to be quite thick if it is allowed to continue unchecked. Coatings on the tongue can also start to take on other colors based on the foods you eat or bacteria that may become caught in this tongue coating.
Medical Treatment For Eczema
Eczema cant be cured. But it can be managed by preventing and treating flare-ups as soon as they appear.
If your childs skin is inflamed and itchy, theyll probably need some corticosteroid ointment or cream. For mild eczema, you can buy mild corticosteroids over the counter at your pharmacy. The most common is hydrocortisone 1% cream. For more serious eczema or if the over-the-counter products arent working, youll need to see your GP to get a prescription for a stronger corticosteroid.
Other eczema treatments include pimecrolimus, a non-steroidal cream. Doctors might prescribe this cream for children with mild to moderate eczema on the face and in body folds.
If your child is scratching at a rash, you could ask your pharmacist or GP about using an antihistamine medication for a few days. Together with a corticosteroid cream, this might give your child some rest and help the flare-up to settle.
If your childs eczema rash gets infected, your doctor will prescribe a course of oral antibiotics.
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How Different Skin Types Are Affected
The features of eczema differ depending on the persons skin type.
On paler skin, the typical pattern is inflamed, red or dark pink patches, with dry itchy skin, which in severe flares may ooze with small vesicles .
On darker skin, inflammation is more difficult to detect, as it is seen as various stages of hyper-pigmentation and is more subtle, so often redness is not seen. As a result, the severity of eczema can be underestimated.
Post-inflammatory hypo- and hyper-pigmentation are a much greater concern in people with darker skin, as it can take months for this to resolve and the discoloration can sometimes be a greater concern than the eczema itself.
Another feature of eczema, more commonly found in darker skin, is follicular prominence. This is where the eczema appears in small, itchy bumps or papules on the skin mainly on the trunk and forearms. Dry skin and scale can also be more prominent, as its white or grey colour shows up most noticeably.
A UK longitudinal study into ethnic variations in atopic eczema reported that children with darker skin were more likely to develop atopic eczema than their white counterparts and were six times more likely to develop severe eczema.
Does Your Child Suffer From Light Skin Patches And Pigmentation Loss Due To Their Eczema Let Us Know In The Comments Below
Bio: Laura Dolgy is a contributor and content developer for Its An Itchy Little World. She is in no way a medical professional. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes. Please see Its An Itchy Little Worlds disclaimer for information about affiliate links and more.
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Common Causes And Treatments For White Spots On Skin
White spots on skin can be caused by a variety of conditions, including allergies and nutritional deficiencies.
Generally, a white patch on your skin isnt a cause for concern, says Reyzan Shali, MD, an internal medicine doctor at Scripps Coastal Medical Center, Vista.
Skin discoloration can be triggered by a variety of causes, so check with your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment options.
Here are common causes of dry white patches on the skin:
Eczema
Eczema
Eczema is a chronic, probably genetic, inflammatory skin condition that causes the skin to become inflamed or irritated and often results in a patch of skin that is lighter in pigment than the skin around it.
Eczema is especially common in children, says Dr. Shali. They often outgrow it, but some people continue to have symptoms on and off throughout their lives.
Eczema is always itchy, and sometimes itching will start before a rash appears, most often on the face, back of knees, wrists, hands or feet. The areas may appear dry, thickened or scaly, and sometimes the skin can blister. Many people with eczema have allergies as well.
Treatment for eczema focuses on relieving and preventing itching, since scratching can make it worse and even lead to infection. Lotions and creams can keep the skin moist, and cold compresses can provide relief from itching. Other treatments include phototherapy, antihistamines and hydrocortisone.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis
Psoriasis
Psoriasis
Additional Causes Of White Patches
White patches can also be caused by other conditions, including eczema. This is a common allergic skin condition, especially in children. It usually causes itching and scaling of the skin and, rarely, white patches. In adults small circular areas of pigment exhaustion may develop on areas of skin where there has been chronic sun exposure.
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How To Get Rid Of White Spots On The Face Of Babies And Kids
How to get rid of white spots on the face of babies and kids?
Is occurence of white spots on face and hands due to vitamin deficiency?
Can be the white spots on face from sun?
Are there home remedies for white spots on face and other parts of the body?
Are white spots and white patches the same? Is it something to be worried about?
A lot of parents are confused on many of the above questions about white spots on the face.
Recently, I had to go the doctors clinic with my kid. While we were waiting for our turn, I happened to talk to a mom. Her child looked perfectly healthy to me, so I wondered what she was doing there. Turns out there were white spots on toddlers face.
Upon careful inspection, I could see the culprit, though it was quite faint. She was told by a friend that what her child had was a condition called Vitiligo. All along she thought that these marks were a sign of some deficiency. She was worried and wanted a doctor to confirm.
I am no expert in the matters of health, so I did my best to comfort her. She went in and I waited.
After a while, she came out looking relieved.
It isnt Vitiligo! She said.
She told me the name and all I could catch was Alba. I went home and told my mom of this and she told me that I had it too as a kid!
Turns out, these are quite common. But they also have a lot of misconceptions associated with them.
Lets clear all that with todays post.
White spots on toddlers face what are they?
Our Expert Explains The Challenges Patients Researchers And Clinicians Have Faced With The Rare Skin Conditionvitiligo
Visibly lighter patches of skin that often present symmetrically on the face and hands may well be a sign of a rare skin condition called vitiligo. Our Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute expert, Dr. Youwen Zhou, explains its causes and highlights new research that could improve therapeutic outcomes.
Q: What causes patches of lighter skin on the body?A: Common inflammatory conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, are the most common causes of the transient lightening of skin colour. This causes what is called post-inflammatory hypopigmentation in which the border between affected and non-affected skin is often not clear-cut. Several other skin conditions also cause the loss of skin colour, such as pityriasis alba, guttate hypomelanosis, macular hypomelanosis and aging-associated leukoderma.
The exact causes of vitiligo are unknown. However, there is strong evidence pointing to the potential role of genetic factors, immune cells, a lack of protective factors inside the skin, melanocytesmelanin producing cells that affect skin pigmentationself-destruction or environmental toxins. This is a subject of intense investigations worldwide
Another focus of my research is developing improved therapies that are safe and effective for vitiligo. Based on my discovery of a lack of melanocyte protective factors among vitiligo patients, my team is developing a new vitiligo therapy that we hope to test in clinical trials in the near future.
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