What Could Be the Cause of Small White Spots on the Body?

In daily life, many people may experience the appearance of small white spots or patches on their skin. There are numerous potential causes for this phenomenon, with vitiligo being one of the more common ones. It is crucial to promptly identify the underlying cause of these white spots, especially to determine if they are caused by vitiligo. If they are, prompt treatment and management are necessary to prevent the condition from worsening.

1. Anemia nevi are not related to anemia but are caused by abnormal vascular function in the local skin area. These white patches are not as white as a sheet of paper but are slightly lighter than the surrounding skin. They are mostly circular or irregular in shape and vary in size. Anemia nevi typically do not enlarge or become whiter after they appear.

2. Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection that manifests as round or oval, well-defined, and variously sized pale white patches. It is more common in the summer and autumn seasons and may resolve in winter. It commonly affects areas with rich sebaceous glands, particularly the chest, back, face, and neck.

3. Pityriasis alba (white pityriasis) is a chronic, scaly skin disease with unclear etiology. It is commonly known as "worm spots" but is not related to parasite infections such as roundworms. It initially appears as red or pinkish patches and later turns pale white. It is commonly seen in children and adolescents aged 3 to 16 years and is usually asymptomatic, with occasional mild itching. It resolves spontaneously after several months or years and generally does not require medication, with appropriate skin care and sun protection being sufficient.

4. Vitiligo is a condition that causes white patches on the skin, often feared by many. These patches are typically the size of a fingernail or coin and can be circular, elliptical, or irregular in shape. If the color is pale white, it indicates a milder condition. As the condition progresses, the white color gradually intensifies, ranging from milky white to cloudy white and porcelain white. In vitiligo, the skin texture and boundaries of the patches are normal, and there are usually no symptoms such as scaling or atrophy. Vitiligo is sensitive to intense light, and the patches may turn red under direct sunlight or friction.