White Sun Spots on Skin – Possible Causes and Treatment

Last Updated on September 24, 2024

Sun exposure is good for your skin and overall health. However, nothing heats your skin like the summer sun. The cloudiest days might cause a variety of skin pigmentations, with white sun spots on skin being too common. While many people focus on the risk of sunburn or skin cancer, the appearance of these white patches can be equally concerning, particularly because they disrupt the skin’s natural tone and pigmentation. 

Let’s understand the maestros like white spots on the skin after sun exposure, white spots on skin after being in sun, and more. 

What Are the White Sun Spots on Skin?

Medically known as Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis, these are small white patches appearing in most exposed areas of the skin. They may appear on legs, arms, face, etc., which have long been exposed to the sun.

 

Additionally, people often confuse this condition with vitiligo, fungal infections, or even scares. However, white sunspots on the skin are usually much smaller, ranging from 2mm to 5mm in diameter, and unlike vitiligo, they are not progressive.  

These spots are harmless and usually don’t cause any discomfort, though their appearance can be a cosmetic concern for many. They typically become more noticeable as people age, particularly in individuals with lighter skin tones. The main characteristic of white sun spots on the skin is the absence of melanin in those areas. Melanin is the pigment responsible for skin color, and its absence creates these small, bright spots that stand out against sun-exposed skin. 

You might be shocked, but sweating can also play a role. When you’re out in the sun for extended periods, the combination of heat and sweat can clog your pores and irritate your skin. This can sometimes enhance the appearance of white sun spots on skin, as the skin becomes more sensitive and prone to uneven pigmentation. 

How to Get Rid of White Spots on Skin from Sun?

If you’re wondering how to get rid of white spots on your skin after sun exposure, there are several options available, both medical and home remedies. They ensure you restore your skin’s natural tone. 

Here are some effective treatments: 

Topical Treatments

Certain topical creams can help in treating white sun spots on skin. Dermatologists may prescribe Corticosteroids to reduce the appearance of the spots. Another effective option is retinoids, which help stimulate new skin cell production and may encourage repigmentation. 

Laser Therapy

For stubborn white spots on skin after being in sun, laser treatments can be an option. This treatment uses concentrated light to target and encourage pigment production in the affected areas. 

Although this method can be effective, dermatologists usually reserve for more severe cases of white sun spots on skin. 

Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels

Microdermabrasion is a skin-resurfacing procedure that helps remove dead skin cells and encourages the growth of new, healthy skin cells.  

Similarly, chemical peels can help in treating white spots on skin after sun exposure by removing the top layer of the skin, allowing fresher skin to emerge underneath. 

Home Remedies and Preventive Measures

If the white sun spots on skin are not too severe, some home remedies can help. Regularly moisturizing your skin and keeping it hydrated can aid in improving skin health. 

Additionally, using aloe vera gel or vitamin E oil can promote skin healing and regeneration. 

Perhaps the most important preventive measure is to always wear sunscreen when you’re outdoors. Sun exposure is a significant factor in the development of white sun spots on the skin, so protecting your skin with a high-SPF sunscreen can help prevent new spots from forming and protect existing ones from getting worse. 

What Causes White Spots on Skin After Sun Exposure?

The primary cause of white spots on skin after sun exposure is damage to the skin’s pigment cells. When the skin is exposed to the sun for long periods, it can sometimes lead to the destruction or reduction of melanin production in certain areas. As a result, those areas lack pigment and appear as white sun spots on skin. 

Several factors can contribute to this phenomenon, including: 

Melanin Loss Due to Sun Damage

Melanin is the pigment that protects your skin from UV rays. However, when your skin is overexposed to the sun, these melanin-producing cells can become damaged or depleted, leading to white spots on skin after being in the sun. After a while, this damage may accumulate and cause the appearance of white sun spots on skin in the most exposed areas. 

Aging

Another contributing factor is aging. As we age, our skin’s ability to produce melanin decreases. This makes older individuals more susceptible to developing white sun spots on skin, particularly in areas like the arms, legs, and face, which have been repeatedly exposed to the sun over many years. 

Genetic Factors

Genetics also plays a role! 

Some individuals may be more prone to developing white spots on their skin after sun exposure due to their genetic makeup. If someone in your family has a history of white sun spots on skin, there’s a chance you could experience the same condition. 

Treatment Options for White Spots on Skin

White sun spots need over-the-counter medication rather than therapies. Moreover, professional treatments are also available. Despite that, white spots are difficult to treat. 

OTC Treatments

OTC steroids and retinol creams help clear the skin and reduce the spots. Without a prescription, light-strength steroid creams are accessible. To treat sun spots, your doctor may recommend a stronger version. The usage of steroid creams should only be temporary. Unwanted side effects, such as skin thinning and additional skin color changes, might result from long-term use. 

Additionally, retinoid creams can help with skin regeneration, thus reducing skin discoloration. The most widely used retinoid creams are retinol and tretinoin. 

Professional Treatments

Some laser treatment options might be helpful. The most widely used laser treatment options include excimer or fractional lasers. They help reduce the white skin spots. 

UV radiation is used by excimer lasers to stimulate the growth of pigment-producing cells. On the other hand, Fractional lasers stimulate the formation of melanin, which reduces white spots. 

Dermabrasion is an exfoliating treatment that reveals the skin beneath the outer layer by removing it. White patches that are treated with dermabrasion for IGH may crust and recover in 10 days. The process of producing melanin is initiated once healing has taken place. 

IGH can be effectively treated with cryotherapy. It includes freezing the afflicted skin regions with liquid nitrogen. As long as it is performed by a qualified specialist, cryotherapy is an inexpensive and secure alternative. 

Final Words

To conclude, White sun spots on the skin are a common but generally harmless skin condition caused due to excessive sun exposure. In addition to sun exposure, genetic factors, and aging can also play a part in making them appear. Treatments such as topical creams, laser therapy, and microdermabrasion can help restore your skin’s natural tone, but prevention remains the best strategy. Using sunscreen and avoiding excessive sun exposure are simple yet effective ways to keep your skin healthy and avoid white spots on your skin after being in the sun. 

Although therapies are available there is always a space for better options. Clinical trials are the prime source of filling those voids by conducting safe and effective clinical trials. So, enroll in clinical trials for white sun spots on skin today and help us find a better therapeutic option.