White spots on the skin can be caused by a variety of conditions, including allergies and nutritional deficiencies. It can be triggered by a variety of causes. It is therefore important to consult your dermatologist for diagnosis and apt treatment options. 

What are the common causes of dry white patches on skin? 

The most common causes of dry white patches on the skin are :

  • Eczema, a condition in which the skin gets inflamed and irritated, and results in a patch of skin that is lighter in pigment than the skin. It is commonly seen in children. 
  • Seborrheic dermatitis, which causes itchy, red skin on the scalp, face and chest. It can be caused due to stress, fungus or other issues. 
  • Psoriasis, a common skin disorder in which skin cells multiply too rapidly, building up on the surface of the skin and causing a scaly, itchy plaque. Yeh trigger factors for psoriasis are bug bites, stress, smoking, alcohol and even vitamin D deficiency.
  • Nutritional deficiencies, deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D and vitamin E can also cause white patches on the skin. 
  • Pityriasis alba affects children ages 6 to 12 and is characterised by raised, rounded light patches of skin. The word Pityriasis alba is derived from the Latin words “pityrus”, meaning wheat, and “alba”, for white. It is caused due to skin irritation and excess use of topical corticosteroids.

Home remedies that can help lessen white patches

  • Avoid harsh chemicals like parabens, sulphates and artificial fragrances that can be present in face washes and creams. Use hypoallergenic products that are low in chemicals and are skin friendly. 
  • Drink sufficient water and eat more coloured fruits like oranges, papaya, and strawberry and foods rich in antioxidants like broccoli, carrot, and spinach that help to fight against the free radicals that can cause these white patches. Include healthy fat in your diet like avocados, olive oil, fish etc 
  • Hydrate your skin, with a moisturiser, hydrating facial mask or petroleum jelly. This prevents the skin from drying out. Hydrating your skin softens the patches and fastens the healing process. Natural moisturising agents like Aloe vera, coconut oil etc are also beneficial. 
  • Over-the-counter supplements help to make our body's defence system stronger and prevent patches that can occur due to vitamin deficiency. 
  • Avoid hot baths and showers that tend to remove the natural water present in the skin and make the skin drier and increases skin redness. 
  • Use a broad spectrum sunscreen every day as it helps protect skin damage from UV rays. 

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