Whitespot

Whitespot is a common term used to describe a variety of conditions that result in white or pale patches on the skin. These patches can occur on any part of the body and vary in size and shape. One common cause of whitespot is vitiligo, a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing pigment. This leads to depigmentation, resulting in smooth, white patches on the skin. Another cause can be fungal infections, such as tinea versicolor, which can also cause lighter or darker patches of skin, often on the torso and shoulders. Sometimes, post-inflammatory hypopigmentation can occur after skin injury or inflammation, where the skin loses pigment in the affected area as it heals. Less commonly, certain genetic conditions or reactions to medications can also manifest as whitespots. Diagnosis typically involves a visual examination by a healthcare professional, and sometimes further testing like a skin biopsy or fungal scraping may be performed to determine the underlying cause. Treatment strategies depend entirely on the specific cause, ranging from topical creams for fungal infections to light therapy or cosmetic camouflage for vitiligo.