White dry patches on the skin are a common occurrence and can affect a person without any warning. This is prevalent throughout the world and millions of people are affected by it. These white patches on the skin can be caused by a number of factors and using home remedies for treating the condition may not necessarily treat the condition completely. Discussed below are some of the causes and treatment options that can be used.
Vitiligo or leucoderma is the most common cause for white patches on the body. They can occur anywhere, although they are most often found on the sun exposed parts of the body. It is non-contagious and is results from the loss of pigmentation of the skin and not due to bacterial or viral infections. These white spots vary in size, and there is no definite pattern to their progression. Many people find that the groin area and armpits (where the limbs meet the body) are the most commonly affected areas, although others say that areas around the lips and neck are as common. There are also no guarantees of the patches spreading, as in some cases, they do not increase in size or spread, taking years to develop, while in others, it can cover the entire body in a matter of a few years.
Causes:
Although a lot of research has gone into vitiligo, as of now no specific cause has been identified. Many people think that it is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s own immune system attacks the melanin cells in the skin, causing loss of pigmentation. There are no known triggers for the problem, and many people have different ideas about how it is brought on. Some people feel that it is stress and that their patches seem to increase in size and number during stressful periods. This may be substantiated by the fact that people who get vitiligo also tend to get grey hair early. Also, most people tend to not get this problem after their 40th year.
Treatment:
As of now, treatment for vitiligo is confined to 2 or 3 options.
Home remedies:
Since leucoderma has been around for ages, there are a number of home remedies that are believed to help cure the problem.
Leprosy is another condition that could result in white dry patches on the skin and face. Early detection of the condition is necessary for faster recovery because nerves once damaged cannot be restored. The condition is still a cause of concern in the West where about one hundred cases are reported yearly.
Pityriasis abla is a very common problem with small children. It manifests itself as flaky or dry white patches on the face. The borders of the patches are indistinct, and it is very often confused with leucoderma or fungal infection, although it is neither. Nobody knows how or why these patches form, but they usually disappear on their own once the children get into their mid to late teens. There is no treatment for pityriasis alba, and it is recommended that you avoid application of cosmetic as well as fungal creams on the affected portion.
White spots on the face during pregnancy are very common and result from hormonal imbalances. This is nothing to worry about, and they disappear on their own after childbirth, although sometimes they continue through lactation.