1. Common Causes
a) Tinea Versicolor (Fungal Infection)
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Caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin.
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Often appears as small, lighter (or darker) patches on the arms, chest, or back.
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May itch slightly but not always.
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More noticeable after sun exposure because the affected skin doesn’t tan.
b) Vitiligo
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An autoimmune condition where skin loses pigment.
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Usually appears as smooth, white patches.
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Often symmetrical and can spread slowly over time.
c) Sun Damage / Pityriasis Alba
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Common in children and young adults.
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Light-colored patches with slight dryness or flakiness.
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Usually temporary and harmless.
d) Milia
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Tiny white, raised bumps (often on face but can appear on limbs).
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Caused by trapped keratin under the skin.
e) Nutritional Deficiencies / Other Causes
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Rarely, vitamin deficiencies (like B12 or calcium) can contribute.
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Sometimes post-inflammatory changes after a rash or minor skin injury.
2. When to See a Doctor
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Spots spread rapidly or keep coming back.
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They itch, burn, or bleed.
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You notice other symptoms (fatigue, weight loss, joint pain).
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Uncertainty: a dermatologist can examine and possibly do a skin scraping or biopsy to identify the cause.
3. Home Care Tips
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Keep the area clean and dry.
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Avoid heavy creams that trap moisture if it’s fungal.
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Sun protection: light spots can become more visible if surrounding skin tans.
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Over-the-counter antifungal creams can help if it’s tinea versicolor, but only after confirmation.
💡 Quick visual hint:
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Fungal spots: often small, slightly scaly, may merge.
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Vitiligo: smooth, sharply defined, no scaling.
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Milia: tiny, firm, raised bumps.
If you want, I can make a simple visual guide showing the main types of small white spots on arms/legs and how to tell them apart—it makes identification much easier. Do you want me to do that?
