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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #17130
2 days ago
14

light patches on face - #17130

Parthiv

I am really confused about these light patches on my face that have suddenly appeared out of nowhere! Like, a few weeks ago I noticed one on my right cheek and I thought it was just dry skin, but now there's another one on my forehead. I tried moisturizing, but they’re still there—it’s like the skin lost color or something? I’m freaking out a little because I’ve never had skin issues before, and I'm worried it could be something serious. My friends mentioned it could be vitiligo or sun damage, but I didn’t think I was out in the sun that much, and I always use sunscreen! Has anyone else had these light patches on face? I even went to a derm a couple of days ago, but they just said to wait and see, which is honestly driving me crazy. They took some tests but the results are not ready yet. Anyway, are these light patches on face something that ever goes away on its own? I’d love to hear from anyone who’s dealt with this before. Should I be doing anything specific while I wait for the test results? Just wondering if I should be super concerned or if it’s like a common thing. Thanks!

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Doctors’ responses

Light patches on the skin can indeed be concerning, but several factors could be at play here. These patches might be from conditions like vitiligo, post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, or even conditions like pityriasis alba, which is more common in dry skin and can often respond well to moisturizing treatments. While your concern is understandable, it’s also crucial to consider other possibilities like fungal infections, such as tinea versicolor, or perhaps less commonly, something nutritional like a deficiency in vitamin D or B12. Since you’ve already seen a dermatologist, it’s good that they’re conducting tests, which should give more insights into the exact cause. In the meantime, continue using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even if you’re not spending much time outside, as UV rays can exacerbate pigmentation changes. It’s also wise to continue moisturizing but opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products, which can prevent irritation. Avoid picking or scrubbing the patches to prevent any inflammation that could worsen their appearance. Pay attention to any other symptoms—if you notice changes in the patches (like them spreading quickly), new symptoms, or any irritation, relay these to your healthcare provider. The wait for test results can be unnerving, but these results will guide the next steps, possibly including specific topical treatments or medications if a condition is diagnosed. There’s no immediate indication that this is an emergency, but maintaining skin protection and awaiting a clear diagnosis is essential. Keep an open line with your doctor should you notice significant changes.

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