White Spots on Skin
White Sun Spots
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Have you, or perhaps your friends, ever noticed the presence of small white spots on skin? Maybe you've blamed the development of these white spots (a.k.a.
sun spots) on
tanning beds, or from
tanning outdoors?
Well I've got a surprise for you. You may be surprised to learn that these white sun spots have nothing to do with
tanning.
Infact the development of white spots on skin is usually an indication that a harmless fungus is living on the surface of your skin. But not to worry! In most cases we can make these white spots on skin disappear.
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As I eluded to in the previous paragraph, white spots on skin are usually caused by a fungus named Tinea Versicolor. This fungus is actually part of the skin's natural flora and it's regularly found on the scalp. In some cases this fungus may flake off and find its way onto the neck, back, chest, shoulders, and upper arms, where it continues to grow. On white un-tanned skin the presence of Tinea Versicolor will either go unnoticed completely or develop into a red rash. On tanned skin, however, Tinea Versicolor's presence is noticeable as white spots on skin. These white sun spots simply develop because Tinea Versicolor prevents the skin from absorbing UV light; and skin which doesn't absorb UV light can't generate melanin, the pigment which gives us color. If you have this fungus growing on the surface of your skin its presence becomes increasingly obvious as your tan develops. But make no mistake, tanning does not cause these white spots on skin, instead it simply reveals the preexisting condition.
So how to treat it? Well not to worry, it's not that hard to treat. Infact a simple over-the-counter anti-fungal shampoo like
Nizoral,
or a dandruff shampoo link
Selsun Blue,
should do the trick. Alternatively Body Drench has a product called
"Wipe Out"
which is specially formulated for eliminating white spots on skin caused by Tinea Versicolor. Or for you folks who prefer it all-natural I've heard tea tree oil may effectively treat
white sun spots.
In extreme situations consult your doctor, depending on the severity of the condition your doctor may provide you with a prescription anti-fungal cream or anti-fungal pills.
