What is the cause of white spots on the skin?

White spots on the skin can set a pick button in one’s mind. You keep thinking why have I got this spot? It sets in fear of looking unacceptable to society. But all white spots are not vitiligo. Go to your skin specialist and get yourself diagnosed and treated for the same. Self diagnosis can be dangerous.

Types of White Spots

1. Piebaldism

   Piebaldism is a rare genetic disorder of pigment making cell development characterized by a congenital white forelock and multiple symmetrical hypopigmented or depigmented patches. Melanocytes produce the pigment melanin, which contributes to hair, eye, and skin color. The absence of melanocytes leads to patches of skin and hair that are lighter than normal. Approximately 90 percent of affected individuals have a white section of hair near their front hairline (a white forelock).

2. Pityriasis Alba

   Pityriasis Alba is a commonly found skin disorder in children and young adults. The cause of Pityriasis Alba is unknown but it often co-exists with dry skin and atopic eczema. Ultraviolet radiation, excessive or inadequate bathing, low level of serum copper, yeast named Malassezia and worm infestations are known to trigger Pityriasis Alba. Sun exposure is said to aggravate the condition and on skin being tanned due to sun exposure the surrounding skin makes affected area more prominent. Pityriasis Alba lesions are mostly seen on the face especially the cheeks and can spread to entire face, upper arms, neck and shoulders. It appears on the skin as round, oval or irregular plaques that are white, red, pink or skin colored. There could be mild itching or scaling when exposed to sun.

3. Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis

   Idiopathic Guttate hypomelanosis is a disorder that causes 1 to 10 mm flat white spots to occur, typically on the shins, arms, upper back, and face. It is usually found in fair-skinned individuals but can also appear in dark-skin. While the exact cause is unknown, these white spots often begin to form as a person ages, usually after the age of 40. The spots are benign and are thought to be brought on by sun exposure, which kills melanocyte cells in the skin. No treatment is usually needed, but preventative measures to block against sun damage should be taken.

4. Vitiligo

   Vitiligo is a disease in which the skin forms white patches. It occurs when color giving cells stop producing pigment, either because they die or because they stop functioning.
   Causes of vitiligo are unclear, but this skin condition is thought to be an autoimmune disease. It can start at any age and on any part of the body. The white patches can either spread throughout the body or can remain the same size. Vitiligo often appears as a small, pale spot on the skin at the beginning and over time it may develop into a larger patch.
   Vitiligo is generally harmless and not contagious, but its aesthetic appearance can cause emotional and psychological distress in people who suffer from it.

Benefits of homeopathic medicines for Vitiligo

Homeopathic medicines are natural and have no side-effects unlike conventional medicine which could cause severe burns and blistering.
Homeopathic medicine has long lasting results unlike short term results seen in conventional medicines.
Homeopathic medicine is prescribed on individual case history so the underlying stress can be effectively treated with homeopathy which can bring about a positive result in the treatment of Vitiligo. If the disease is not controlled it can recur.
Homeopathy helps to correct the melanin destruction thus prevents recurrence of the disease. Unlike skin grafts which could cause scarring, homeopathy has not external treatment except the sweet pills which cause no scarring.
Homeopathic medicine helps triggering re-pigmentation and corrects the altered immune response.