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how to treat white patches on face
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #20428
47 days ago
107

how to treat white patches on face - #20428

Dhruv

I am really worried about some white patches I noticed on my face. They started as just a small spot near my cheek and I thought it was just dry skin or something, but now they seem to be spreading. I’ve tried over-the-counter moisturizers and even some hydrocortisone cream, but nothing seems to help. Like, I read online about how to treat white patches on face, but the info is kinda overwhelming. Some say it could be vitiligo or tinea versicolor, but I honestly don’t even know what that is... The spots don’t itch or hurt, but they look super weird against my skin tone! I went to a dermatologist a week ago and they did a wood's lamp test, but they said they need to take a biopsy to be sure what it is. Now, I’m just waiting for the results, which adds to my anxiety. I really just wanna figure out how to treat white patches on face, especially if it’s something serious! Does anyone have experience with how to treat white patches on face? Like, what actually works? Any home remedies or tips you can share? I’m open to anything at this point!

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Doctors' responses

Based on what you’re describing, it sounds like you’re experiencing an issue with skin pigmentation, which can have various causes like vitiligo or tinea versicolor, as you’ve mentioned. Let’s break these down a bit: Vitiligo is a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells that produce pigment, resulting in white patches. Tinea versicolor, on the other hand, is a fungal infection that can cause lighter discolored areas on the skin. Since you’ve already seen a dermatologist and had a wood’s lamp test, which helps distinguish between fungal and pigmentation disorders, that’s a great step forward. The biopsy they’re suggesting will provide a more definitive diagnosis. In the meantime, avoid self-prescribing treatments until you get the results. Continuing with hydrocortisone or other topical treatments without guidance could irritate your skin or worsen the condition. For temporary relief and care, try to keep the affected area moisturized with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer. Sometimes simple hydration can help reduce the contrast between affected and normal skin. Also, try keeping your skin protected from the sun, as sun exposure can make patches more noticeable and can sometimes worsen conditions like vitiligo. You can use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin’s overall health while awaiting further guidance from your doctor. If the diagnosis ends up being vitiligo and if it bothers you cosmetically, there are specific treatments, including topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or even light-based therapies, that your dermatologist can discuss with you. If it’s tinea versicolor, antifungal treatments like topical creams or shampoos may be recommended. It’s crucial you wait for the biopsy results to guide the treatment plan accurately. Given the complexity and potential seriousness, continue following up with your doctor for personalized advice.

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