Small white spots on skin can appear on the face, arms, legs, stomach, armpits, groin area, or any other part of the body including between fingers and legs depending on the underlying cause. This may be little dots, spots, bumps, pimples that may appear like small rash on the skin. These Small or little white spots on the skin may be itchy, dry, puss, fluid-filled and burst into blisters and open sores. In some cases, they may also be non-itchy rash, dots, or pumps. Continue reading below for several causes, how to get rid of them using home remedies and treatment.
They are mostly associated with symptoms of underlying health issues or allergies. UV rays from the sun and some cosmetic products can also cause severe damage to the skin pigmentation leaving you with random white patches on the skin that may keep peeling, falling off.
Eruptions that appear as small pimples, rashes, spots, dots, or little small bumps on the skin in most cases should clear using home remedies. However, note that this will depend on what caused them. In cases where they continue spreading, keep coming back, or won’t go away and are extremely itchy or painful, see a doctor immediately.
White Spots on Skin from the Sun
UV rays from the sun are very harmful to the skin. Infant exposure to UV rays is the major cause of skin cancer. Always try and stay under shade whenever you are engaged in outdoor activities on a sunny day. These UV rays from the sun will prevent skin cells from producing melanin which plays a major role in skin color. Lack of melanin causes small white spots on the skin.
These sun rays also destroy the skin by increasing the thickness of the epidermis. Those white bumps on skin may also be the result of prolonged sun damage. Sun causes skin aging which is marked by significant thickening of the epidermis.
The thickening of epidermis causes the formation of small white spots on skin known as milia. Milia are cysts that occur when keratin and other skin cells are trapped under the thickened epidermis. Milia are also caused by sun allergies.
The small white spots on the skin caused by sun rays cannot be treated but there are topical creams and steroids that can be used to conceal the white spots
Small White Spots on Skin from Training
People who work out a lot of sportsmen and women who train on a regular basis can experience small white spots on any part of the skin especially when they are on some kind of medication or have a medical condition. These white spots can be flat, raised, pus-filled, itchy, or not itchy depending on the cause. Medicine like tretinoin that is used to treat acne can cause small white spots on the skin while training. Some medical conditions like milia, tinea versicolor, atopic or contact dermatitis are the cause of small white spots to appear on the skin during or after training.
During training, you tend to sweat a lot, so if you are dark-skinned and your body is covered by non-absorbent fabric then your heat rashes are likely to appear white when they are filled with fluids.
You should train in a cool environment and wear loose clothes while training in order to allow your skin to breathe. If the small white spots on the skin are caused by an infection and you get other symptoms like fever then you need to get treatment for the infection and the white spots will clear once you heal. Men may also experience white spots on penis while women may have a rash on the vagina that may be white or red
White Bumps on the Skin
What are these white bumps on the skin? White bumps on the skin are caused by UV rays from the sun that thicken the epidermis and trap proteins like keratin under the skin and cause milia. Some of these bumps are also symptoms of viral infections like HPV or molluscum contagious and whiteheads. They vary in shape, size and they can be itchy or not itchy. White bumps appear on any part of the skin.
Small White Spots on the Skin, Itchy
Why are the white spots on my skin itchy? A contagious viral skin infection known as molluscum contagiosum is the major cause of inflamed white spots on the skin that are very itchy and have a dimple like shape at the center. This virus thrives in warm, damp, or crowded places. It affects both adults and children so long as the immune system is compromised.
The molluscum contagiosum virus is known for spreading via infected objects like towels, beddings, toys, water, or having unprotected sex with an infected person.
The virus can also spread from one part of the body to another when an infected individual touch, or scratch the bumps and then touch another part of the body. It can also be transmitted sexually. These bumps can appear on the skin for even 18 months before they clear off.
Small White Spots on Skin Not Itchy
Small white spots that are not itchy are milia that form when keratin or dead skin gets trapped under the skin and form acne. Prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun thickens your epidermis and facilitates the trapping of dead cells under the skin instead of them getting exfoliated. Other causes of milia on the skin include;
- Chemicals found in body lotions and sunscreens may also thicken the epidermis.
- The fluoride in toothpaste can also cause milia around the mouth.
- Genetics
- Porphyria cutanea tarda , a skin condition that causes excessive growth of hair on your hands and face
The eruption of Melia occurs on any part of the body including your face. They may go unnoticed if you do not check your body frequently.
You need to consult your doctor for treatment. Do not pop milia at home on your own because you may get a secondary infection.
White Bumps on Face, Legs, Fingers
White bumps on the skin usually appear on any part of the body despite the cause but there are some diseases that make white bumps appear in a specific area.
For instance, Keratosis pilaris is a common, harmless skin condition that causes small, hard bumps that appear on upper arms, legs, cheeks, and buttocks. They form when keratin piles up on your skin and make it feel dry like sandpaper.
According to NHS, “Keratosis pilaris is a common and harmless condition where the skin becomes rough and bumpy as if covered in permanent goose pimples.”
The best way to get rid of keratosis pilaris is by exfoliating your skin and applying moisturizer or glycerine.
Another skin condition known as dyshidrotic dermatitis or Pompholyx causes small white bumps on fingers and the palms of the hand. These bumps are very itchy and filled with fluids.
It thrives in hot and moist weather. Stress and allergens can also cause these horrible bumps.
These white bumps can be treated using steroid pills or creams, UV therapy, and antihistamine from an allergic reaction. Your doctor should be able to guide you on what to do.
White Spots on Skin Fungus
Fungal infection is caused by the excessive growth of natural fungus that exists on our skin. Fungal infection feed on keratin which is the largest component of our skin. Fungal infections thrive in moist areas. The fungal infection mostly affects people who are on antibiotics, pregnant, overweight, have a history of fungal infection, suffering from diabetes or have their immune system compromised.
There are several fungal infections that affect the skin;
- Thrush – It is characterized by white patches or spots on the skin that leave a red mark when scratched
- Intertrigo – It is characterized by itchy, sore spots that have white or yellow pus-like fluid on them. They occur in dark warm moist areas such as grin area, armpits, or under the breast.
The best way to prevent fungal infection is to ensure that your skin is dried properly after coming into contact with water. You should also avoid wearing tight non-absorbent clothes that trap sweat on your skin. Your skin should breathe freely. Disinfect your beddings and towels often.
Small White Spots on Baby Skin
The small white spots on your baby’s skin are most likely caused by milia. Milia are smooth white bumps forms on a baby’s shoulders or face especially on the chin, cheeks, around the nose and eye.
Milia form in babies because they have underdeveloped skin that tends to trap dead cells. They are also known as milk spots.
You should not try and pop these tiny blisters. They will clear up on their own after 6 weeks. You should wash your baby’s often with warm water in order to keep it oil-free. Do not apply any lotion or creams on the Emilia.
Little White Spots on Face, not Pimples
As discussed above, Millia are little non- itchy white spots that form on the face and they are not pimples. They are a type of cyst that forms when dead skin cells or keratin are trapped under the skin either due to underdeveloped skin or skin then has been thickened by UV rays from the sun. These white cysts appear on the nose, cheeks, and chin and around the eyes.
They affect both adults and children but they are most common in babies. These small spots on the skin usually require no treatment and clear up after 4 to 6 weeks.
The following are the most common types of Emilia;
- Neonatal Milia – It affects newborn babies. The milia form on their face and scalp. They heal on their own after 6 weeks.
- Juvenile Milia – It is caused by genetic disorders like nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, Gardner syndrome, pachyonychia congenital and Bazex-Dupré-Christol syndrome
- Primary Milia – occurs in both children and adults.it occurs when keratin is trapped under thickened or poorly developed skin.
- They form on the forehead, around the eyes, and even on the genitals.
- Milia en Plaque – They are circular bumps with a few centimeters radius. Caused by skin disorders such as discoid lupus or lichen planet affects the face. It mostly affects adult women.
- Multiple Eruptive Milia – They are itchy and appear on the face, torso, or arms.
- Milia Associated with side effects of Medicine – they form as a side effect from steroid and cream topical medication.
Causes of small white spots on the skin
There are several causes of small white spots on the skin;
1. Sunburn
Sunburn can cause depigmentation of the skin and make you have light spots on your skin. They can form in a cluster or appear as one large spot. To prevent sunburns, use a “broad spectrum” sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher.
2. Pregnancy
Pregnant women are prone to getting white spots on the skin due to fungal infection.
3. Cold
The herpes simplex virus causes cold sores that are white and bumpy. They mostly appear around the lips. See more on the white head on lip and Cold sore scab
4. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to prevent infection on open wounds but if the concentration is too high then your skin will absorb the peroxide and a local skin capillary embolism that appears as a temporary whitening of the skin will form.
5. Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a skin disease that forms white patches on the skin when melanocyte cells, which are responsible for the production of melanin, stop functioning. These patches first appear as small white spots on the skin then become larger with time. Vitiligo patches are prone to sunburns. This disease can affect any part of the body. It does not have an age limit.
People who have a family history of vitiligo, premature graying of hair or an autoimmune disease like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are more prone to getting vitiligo.
There are cosmetics that can be used to conceal the white patches. The skin can be grafted or have re-pigmentation induced. Vitiligo is categorized according to the part of the body that they affect. The following are types of vitiligo;
- Vulgaris Vitiligo – The white patches spread on different parts of the body.
- Acrofacial Vitiligo – affects fingers and toes only
- Universal Vitiligo – affects the entire body.
- Focal Vitiligo – only one part of the body is affected.
- Segmental Vitiligo – only one side of the body is covered in white patches.
6. Tan
Sun rays can damage your skin and cause tan spots on it. White spots can then form on your skin where the tan spots are due to a fungal infection, lack of melanin, or exposing your skin to UV rays from the sun.
7. Sun-Damage
The sun can damage your skin and make you have wrinkles, scaly patches on your skin, and eventually get skin cancer. Avoid exposing your body to sun rays. Use an umbrella to cover yourself if you have to walk in the sun. Exposure to the sun causes small white spots on the skin, a condition known as idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis. These spots form when melanocyte cells are killed by the harsh sun rays. You can minimize the appearance of these spots using topical steroids, creams, and dermabrasion.
8. Yeast
Yeast exists naturally on the skin. Overgrowth of this yeast causes infection on the skin that is characterized by small white spots. A condition known as Tinea versicolor is caused by an overgrowth of yeast called Malassezia furfur.
How to Get Rid of Small White Spots on the Skin using Home Remedies
Below are some methods and simple ways you may use at home to get rid and remove small white bumps, spots, dots on the skin at home. Remember if they continue coming back, won’t go away or keep spreading, seek medical advice. Do not use any home remedy on the skin that you are allergic to.
1. Turmeric Powder and Mustard Oil
Turmeric is a natural antibacterial and antifungal agent. It is an ideal remedy for treating fungal infections. The Mustard oil will moisturize your skin.
Requirements
- Turmeric powder
- Mustard oil
- Sieve
Directions
- Mix 500 grams of turmeric powder and 8 liters of water overnight
- Heat the mixture in the morning until the water evaporates leaving about a liter only.
- Sieve the mixture and add mustard oil to it
- Heat it again so that all the water evaporates and you remain with a pure mixture of turmeric and mustard oil only
- Apply this mixture twice a day on the small white spots on the skin caused by a fungal infection.
- Maintain this routine for 4 weeks
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an antibacterial and antifungal agent. It also moisturizes the skin and improves blood circulation. It also soothes itchy small bumps on the skin and rejuvenates the skin by encouraging the growth of new skin cells. This Remedy is good for vitiligo treatment.
What you need
- Virgin Coconut oil
- A Cotton Ball
Method of application
- Take a shower before you go to bed
- Soak a cotton ball with coconut oil
- Apply coconut oil on the affected part of your skin
- Massage the oil into your skin
- Let it stay overnight
- Repeat this process every night until you recover.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a natural herb that has got antibacterial and antifungal properties. It also reduces inflammations and soothes itchy spots.
Requirements
- Aloe Vera leaves
- A Sharp knife
- A mixer/ blender
- A container for collecting the gel
- Soap
- Water
- A clean piece of cloth
Steps to follow
Take two pieces of aloe Vera leaves and cut them on both ends. Use a knife to take out the upper green layer from the leaf in order to expose the thick aloe Vera gel in the leaves.
- In case you find any yellow liquid on the leaf, rinse it out with clean water.
- Peel off the greenback of the leaf.
- The clear thick gel that is left is the aloe Vera gel.
- Cut the gel into small pieces and blend the gel into a liquid form.
- Apply the aloe Vera gel directly on the small white spots on skin
- Repeat this process 3 times a day until you heal.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a good remedy for reducing the inflammation and it also has the ability to darken white vitiligo spots because of its immune-stimulating properties. It can be very harsh on the skin so dilute tea tree oil using other essential oils like olive oil.
What you need
- Tea tree oil
- Olive Oil
- A Cotton Ball
- Clean water
- A clean piece of cloth
What to do
- Take a shower before you go to bed
- Dry your body with a clean towel.
- Pour a little amount of tea tree oil in a cup and mix it with olive oil.
- Soak a cotton ball with the mixture of tea tree oil and olive oil.
- Gently apply the oil mixture to the affected areas using the cotton ball.
- Let the oil mixture settle overnight
- Wash it off when you wake up
- Repeat this every night before you go to bed.
5. Ginger
Ginger is rich in antioxidants that restore skin health. It has anti-inflammatory properties that will reduce the size of the swollen white bumps.
Requirements
- Ginger
- Sieve
- Water
- Pestle and mortar
Procedure
- Wash the bark of ginger
- Peel it off carefully
- Cut the ginger into cubes
- Place it in a mortar and pound it to paste
- Ensure your hands are clean and dry
- Use the tip of your finger to apply the ginger paste on the affected area
- Let it stay on your skin for 20 minutes
- Alternatively, you can boil the ginger paste using a cup full of water
- Strain the ginger
- Add some lemon juice and honey to it and drink on a regular basis
6. Green-Juice
Green vegetables have skin regenerative properties. Celery can help cure small white spots on the skin. It contains psoralens that fight vitiligo.
What you need
- 1 cucumber
- 5 stalks of celery
- 2-3 kale leaves
- 1/2 apple
- Lemon juice
- A blender
Preparation and Use
- Blend the cucumber, celery stalks, kale leaves, and lemon juice together
- Drink this mixture twice a day.
7. Carrots
Carrots are rich in pigments, antioxidants, and psoralens that help in treating vitiligo. It will cause regimentation of the skin and protect it from sun damage. You can also use cabbage instead of carrots. They have the same effect.
Requirement
- Carrots
- Blender
What to do
- Blend carrots into juice
- Add honey to sweeten
- Drink this juice daily
- You can also chew carrots often
8. Beetroot
Beetroots are also rich in pigments that can help to restore the skin’s natural pigment.
Requirements
- Beetroots
- Ginger
- Blender
What to do
Blend the 3 beetroots and a piece of ginger and strain the mixture.
Put the juice in the freezer in order for it to cool a bit
Drink this fresh juice on a daily basis
9. Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants that heal the skin and get rid of white spots on the skin to a great extent.
Requirement
- Green tea bag
- Hot water
- Cotton ball
Procedure
- Add a green tea bag into a cup of hot water
- Let it steep for 5 minutes and cool down to room temperature
- Soak a cotton ball with the green tea
- Apply the green tea on the affected area using the soaked cotton ball.
- Leave it on for a couple of minutes and then rinse it off with water.
10. Neem leaves
Neem helps in regaining natural skin pigmentation.
Requirements
- Neem leaves
- A Pestle & a mortar
- A knife
- Honey
- A clean towel
What to do
- Wash the neem leaves to get rid of any dirt on them
- Cut them into big chunks with a knife
- Place them in the mortar
- Pound with a pestle to form a paste
- Add honey to the paste and mix well
- Ensure that the affected area is clean
- Gently smear the paste on the affected area
- Let it settle for 15 minutes
- Rinse it off with warm water
- Pat dry the affected area using a clean towel
- Repeat this procedure 2 times a day
11. Basil Leaves
Basil leaves are an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal agent that fights all types of fungal and bacterial infections. These leaves contain a substance called eugenol that will soothe the itching and burning sensation caused by some white bumps on the skin
Requirements
- Basil leaves
- A Pestle & a mortar
- A knife
- Lemon
- Cotton ball
- A clean piece of cloth
What to do
- Wash the basil leaves to get rid of any soil on them
- Cut them into big chunks with a knife
- Place them in the mortar
- Pound with a pestle to form a paste
- Add lemon juice to the paste
- Use a cotton ball to apply the paste on the affected area
- Let it settle for 10 minutes uninterrupted
- Alternatively , you can chew these leaves
Small White Spots on SkinTreatment
Small white spots on the skin are usually a symptom of an underlying health issue. Your doctor is able to detect the real cause of these spots. Once the diseases are treated the spots will disappear. Home remedies facilitate the healing of these ugly patches and blisters.
Fungal infections like Tinea versicolor is can be treated using prescription fungal creams like ketoconazole. Allergies are resolved using antihistamines but ensure you take antihistamine while you are resting because they cause drowsiness.
Milia cannot be treated but facial cleansers can help in keeping the area clean and oil-free and prevent clogging of pores. Retinol cream like DERMAdoctor Poetry in Lotion 1% Retinol can reduce the appearance of milia. You can also opt to undergo a surgery, laser ablation or diathermy in order to get rid of the milia
