White patches on infant skin

Vitiligo (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth

What Is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo (vih-tih-LY-go) is a loss of skin pigment, or color, that causes white spots or patches on the skin.

While vitiligo might make kids self-conscious, this skin condition is not medically dangerous. It's not a form of skin cancer, it's not an infection like MRSA, and it's not contagious. In fact, most kids who have it are every bit as healthy as everyone else.

What Happens in Vitiligo?

Most of us have skin that is generally the same color all over our body. But this isn't the case for those with vitiligo. This skin disorder affects the melanocytes (meh-LAN-uh-sites). These are cells deep within the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) that make melanin. Melanin (MEL-eh-nen) is the pigment that gives skin its color and helps protect it from the sun.

Our skin color is not based on how many melanocytes we have (we're all born with a similar amount), but by how active they are. Dark-skinned people have cells that naturally produce a lot of melanin, while the cells in light-skinned people make much less.

Sometimes, though, skin cells suddenly stop making melanin. At first, this might cause a spot — called a macule — whose color is much lighter than the skin around it. But in time, these light patches can spread and grow to cover a larger part of the body. Sometimes the spread happens quickly, and then remains stable for a number of years. Other times it happens slowly, over a longer period of time.

What Are the Types of Vitiligo?

Dermatologists label the types of vitiligo based on the amount of the patches and where they are:

focal vitiligo happens when there are just a few spots in a single area
generalized vitiligo is associated with many spots all over the body. These tend to be symmetrical, meaning they affect the right and left sides of the body like a mirror image. This is the most common form of the condition.
segmental vitiligo is characterized by spots only on one side of the body and usually nowhere else. This type of vitiligo is not common.

Vitiligo can appear anywhere on the body, but it's more likely to happen in:

areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face or hands
skin that has folds, such as the elbows, knees, or groin
skin around orifices (body openings), such as the eyes, nostrils, belly button, and genital area

Although kids of all races are affected equally, spots tend to be more visible on those with darker skin.

Sometimes kids with vitiligo have other symptoms, such as premature graying of the hair or a loss of pigment on the lips, since pigment cells are found in these places too.

What Causes Vitiligo?

No one knows exactly why vitiligo happens, but it affects people of both sexes and all races. Many people with the condition are kids and teens. Theories vary on what causes vitiligo. Some experts think it is an autoimmune disorder (in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy melanocytes). Others think it is a genetic condition, as affected kids often have a family member who also has it.

What is known is that the risk of developing vitiligo increases in kids with a family or personal history of thyroid disease, diabetes, and certain conditions like alopecia (an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss). Vitiligo is never contagious — kids can't "catch" it from someone else.

How Is Vitiligo Diagnosed?

A dermatologist usually can make a diagnosis of vitiligo just by looking for the telltale white patches on the skin. On kids with very fair skin, they might use a special tool called a Woods lamp. This lamp uses ultraviolet light in a dark room to illuminate areas of affected skin that would otherwise be hard to see with the naked eye.

The doctor will also ask lots of questions about your child's medical history, including:

whether anyone in the family has had skin conditions or autoimmune problems
whether your child recently had a rash or sunburn
if your child has had any other illnesses or been under stress

A blood test may be done to check for thyroid problems and diabetes.

Very rarely, the doctor may do a biopsy (where a small piece of the affected skin is removed to be analyzed in the lab). A biopsy lets the doctor check for pigment cells in the skin. If the biopsy shows there are no pigment cells, this may confirm a case of vitiligo.

How Is Vitiligo Treated?

There is no "cure" for vitiligo. Some patches will clear up without treatment. For those that don't, treatments can help to even out the skin tone. You can try some at home; others require treatment by a doctor. Just remember that results can vary — what works for one person may not work for another, and no treatment is likely to be 100% effective at making the spots disappear.

Here are ways to help if your child has vitiligo:

Sunscreen. One of the most important things your child can do is wear sunscreen every day to protect against skin cancer. And because vitiligo spots can't tan (they have no melanin), they may burn and scar. Getting a tan on the rest of the body will only highlight white patches even more, especially if a child has light skin.
Cosmetics. Different kinds of over-the-counter concealers are available. Ask your doctor for recommendations and try different brands until you find the one that works best for your child.
Corticosteroid creams. Corticosteroids are a type of medicine which, when applied to white patches very early in the disease, may help to "repigment" the skin. They reduce the inflammation that causes a loss of pigment so that pigmented cells can return to the skin. Some non-steroidal creams also produce a similar effect.
Photochemotherapy with ultraviolet A (also known as PUVA). PUVA has two steps: first, a medicine called psoralen is either applied to the white patches of skin or taken orally; then, the skin is exposed to ultraviolet light, sometimes from the sun but usually from an artificial source, like a UVA lamp. This turns the affected skin pink, which in time tends to fade to a more natural (often slightly darker) color. There are side effects, which may include severe sunburn and skin blistering. Other side effects may be more serious, so talk to your doctor about the risks involved.
Narrow-band ultraviolet B (UVB) therapy. This treatment is more widely used than PUVA. It's similar to PUVA, except that the ultraviolet light used is UVB instead of UVA. Also, no psoralen is required beforehand, which prevents some of the side effects.

Researchers are also looking into a new procedure called a melanocyte transplant. It works by removing a sample of normally pigmented skin and using it to grow new melanocytes in the lab. These can then be transplanted back into the depigmented skin to return some of the missing color.

When deciding which, if any, treatment to try, be wary of quick-fix "miracle" remedies you might see advertised. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always work with your child's doctor to help you decide what's best.

What Else Should I Know?

If your child has vitiligo, you know that even though it isn't dangerous to their physical health, it can still be a big deal. Any condition that makes kids look different from their peers can be emotionally tough, especially during the preteen and teen years when everyone tries to fit in.

Some kids are naturally more resilient and do fine against these challenges. But others need a bit more help. As a parent, you can do a lot to boost your child's confidence and self-esteem. Here are a few tips:

Don't focus on the vitiligo or put pressure on your child to cover it up. They need to know your love and acceptance are unconditional.
Remind your child of all the things at which they excel, and how those have nothing to do with skin color.
Teach your child to be comfortable explaining what vitiligo is — and isn't — to other kids. When the mystery is taken away, most kids will stop staring and asking questions.
Encourage your child to say yes to play dates, pool parties, trips, and any other experiences they might be tempted to pass on because of the vitiligo.
Urge your child to volunteer or get involved in the community. Giving back makes kids feel powerful.

Finally, get emotional support if your child needs it — especially if you see any signs of withdrawal, depression, or anxiety. Counselors, therapists, and vitiligo support groups can help. Find a support group near you online at:

Global Vitiligo Foundation

Reviewed by: Patrice Hyde, MD

Date reviewed: February 2022

Tinea Versicolor in Babies and Children

Tinea versicolor is a fungal condition that shows up as flat patches of discoloration on the skin. You may notice the patches on your child's chest, on his back, under his arms, on his upper arms, or even on his neck and face. The patches can range from white to pink and from tan to dark.

Have you noticed small patches of discolored skin on your baby or child? If the patches are spreading (and possibly slightly itchy) it could be tinea versicolor skin infection. It’s unusual for babies and children to have tinea versicolor as it typically occurs after puberty, but it can happen.

Tinea versicolor isn’t contagious. It also can’t be fully cured. However, there are ways you can help your child manage the symptoms.

What is tinea versicolor?

Tinea versicolor (also called pityriasis versicolor) is a non-contagious skin condition that shows up as patches of discoloration on the skin. The word “versicolor” actually refers to the variable color of the spots or patches; they can be either hyperpigmented (dark) or hypopigmented (light). Most often they appear pink or tan on lighter skin, and as light patches on darker skin.

A normal skin yeast may overgrow and cause the uneven skin color to appear. Anyone can get tinea versicolor. However, it is most common in teenagers and young adults. The yeast, called Malassezia furfur, may also cause skin conditions like dandruff.

(See what tinea versicolor and other skin rashes look like in BabyCenter’s visual guide to children's rashes and skin conditions).

Tinea versicolor symptoms

The rash typically begins on the upper arms, back, chest, or even on his neck and face. The discolored patches can range from white to pink and from tan to dark; if you look closely, you may be able to see very fine scales on their surface. It’s more noticeable in the warm, summer months, as the yeast prevents the skin from tanning in the areas of infection.

People with light-colored skin tend to get darker spots, while those with dark-colored skin seem to have lighter spots. In some cases, the skin turns white.

The patches can flake (like dandruff) and sometimes cause mild itchiness.

How do I treat tinea versicolor at home?

If the spots are small and mild and your child doesn't seem uncomfortable, look for an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo with the active ingredients selenium sulfide or ketoconazole on the label. These ingredients kill the yeast.

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Wash your child’s hair with the shampoo and put a thin layer on all the affected patches, spreading it a couple of inches beyond their borders.
Leave the shampoo on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it off.
Repeat every night for a few weeks, and the yeast should improve.

Unfortunately, it can take months for the skin color to return to normal. And the condition can come back again. If it does return, call your child’s doctor.

What if the home remedy for tinea versicolor doesn't work?

If shampoo doesn't work, call your child’s doctor. A provider can typically diagnose tinea versicolor just by looking at your child's skin with a special lamp (called a Wood's lamp). Sometimes, doctors scrape a small sample of skin from one of the discolored patches and look at it under a microscope – a procedure that is completely painless.

If it is tinea versicolor, the doctor will probably prescribe a topical antifungal medicine. If the case is severe, or the topical treatment doesn't work, the doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication.

To prevent tinea versicolor from spreading further:

Keep the skin cool and dry.
Dress your child in loose clothing and avoid hot, humid air.
Apply sunscreen whenever your child is exposed to the sun.

Will my child always have tinea versicolor?

Possibly. Once diagnosed with tinea versicolor, the yeast remains in your child’s skin. It may seem to disappear in the winter months, and then reappear in the summer. Typically, tinea versicolor peaks during adolescence.

As your child ages, she may become more self-conscious about her skin’s appearance. It will be important to remind her how common tinea versicolor is. She’ll also need to stay away from tanning beds, as they will make it appear worse.

Books to help your child cope:

Malcolm Finney Medical Detective – The Case of… Itch and Rash by Erika Kimble (August 2011)
Wonder by RJ Palacio (Jan 2014)
Connect the Dots: Discovering Self-love with Skin Imperfections by Dahnisha Adams (February 2019)

White spots on the body of a child

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Content:

Varieties and main causes of white spots
What is Vitiligo?
Treatments for Vitiligo

Discoloration of the skin is a problem that has recently become common in both adults and children. Very often, white spots appear on the body of newborns, which cause concern. Should I worry about white spots in newborns, what is the reason for their appearance and what to do about it? Let's figure it out together.

The main causes

Any of the diseases is collectively called hypopigmentation - discoloration of the skin, nails and hair, which occurs due to a lack of a pigment called melanin. One of the most common diseases that is accompanied by the appearance of white spots on the skin of the baby is Vitiligo (loss of melanin). The causes of the origin of this disease are unknown, the ways of its treatment also do not give the proper result. The only thing that can be done is to try to improve the appearance of the skin in various ways, which we will discuss next.

Pityriasis versicolor

The second most common cause of white spots is fungi, which are found in the body of every person. However, under favorable conditions (moisture and heat), the number of fungi begins to increase, resulting in red-brown or white spots on the skin. The causes of infection are excessive sweating, a warm, humid climate. For treatment, you can use antifungal drugs, for example, Clotrimazole or Terbinafine.

Important! A correct diagnosis can only be made by a professional dermatologist, so you should not experiment on a child and his health by self-medicating.

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis

Symptoms:

Small white patches exposed to the sun.
The skin becomes smooth, but is able to peel off.

Important! This disease is more common among women with fair skin, the cause of its occurrence is unknown, doctors suggest that this is one of the symptoms of aging.

White lichen

With this disease, the skin also begins to change its color. White lichen is most often seen in adolescents and children living in warm climates. Whitish spots become dry and scaly, the causes of the occurrence are still unknown.

Pigmented nevus

In simple terms, a pigmentless nevus is a birthmark that poses a threat to human life and health, since the development of melanoma is a severe malignant tumor that occurs on the skin.

Other causes

It is worth noting that white spots may appear on the child's body due to improper or poorly balanced nutrition. Due to the lack of vitamins and certain pigments, white marks may appear on the human body, which are not dangerous and disappear with the right diet or taking bioactive supplements. In addition, the reasons for the appearance of white spots can be:

Psoriasis is a chronic non-communicable disease.
Leucoderma is a disease that may appear after syphilis.

Important! The diseases mentioned earlier are extremely rare in infants, but it is necessary and important to know about them, as it concerns health.

Manifestations in children

As for the skin of newborns, white spots on it may appear due to one of these diseases:

Tumorous sclerosis - white spots, the radius of which reaches 1. 5 centimeters. The result of the disease can be more serious pathologies, such as epilepsy, mental retardation, or damage to internal organs.
Hypomelanosis - may appear after suffering a serious infectious disease, occurs due to dyschromia of the upper layer of the skin.

What is Vitiligo?

As mentioned earlier, the most common disease that is accompanied by the appearance of white spots on the skin is Vitiligo. As a result of this disease, spots of various shapes and sizes appear on the skin of adults and children, the cause of which is the absence of melanin. As a result, the skin is not protected from the effects of the sun and there is a possibility of getting burned.

Manifestation of Vitiligo:

On the arms and face, in the elbows and groin.
Spots appear in separate areas or create groups that merge into a single spot, occupying most of the body.
The disease does not appear on the feet and hands.
If spots appear on the head, the hairline also loses color.

Causes of the disease:

Heredity.
Impaired liver function.
Diseases of the thyroid gland and endocrine system.
Incorrect work of the pituitary gland.
Disease of the gastrointestinal tract.
Disease of the kidneys and adrenal glands.
Stress and infectious diseases.
Malfunctions of the immune system.
Disturbed balance of vitamins and microelements.

Very often Vitiligo is confused with other diseases, namely:

Leucoderma.
Ringworm.
Pityriasis versicolor.

Important! Only a dermatologist can determine the cause of stains and how to treat them, so do not put off your visit to the doctor.

Precautions:

Do not sunbathe with a sweaty body.
It is forbidden to stay in drafts for a long time.
The use of air conditioners and fans is not recommended.
Avoid exposure to high humidity for long periods of time.

Important! In general, any violation of the skin is a health problem, however, Vitiligo is not an infectious disease, so it does not pose a danger to others.

Treatment methods for Vitiligo

Our ancestors found several ways to combat Vitiligo, however, it is impossible to completely cure this disease, since the cause of its occurrence remains unclear. At the same time, spots can be easily masked, so that the feeling of discomfort will disappear. Means for the treatment of the disease:

Duckweed.
Parsley.
Dill herb.
St. John's wort.

It is enough to choose one of the plants and apply its extract to depigmented areas. These plants contain furocoumarins, which increase the production of melanin and restore normal skin color.

Important! At the same time, there is an opinion that these procedures increase the likelihood of skin cancer. What to believe and what not - everyone decides for himself.

causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment - Articles - ON CLINIC Baby

Light spots on the skin are signs of such a little-studied disease as vitiligo.

According to WHO, around 30 million people worldwide suffer from vitiligo, some of them children.

The discolored areas do not lend themselves to tanning and contrast sharply with the main skin color. Most often, this disease affects girls.

Very often, children are embarrassed by the manifestations of vitiligo and are afraid of peer ridicule in kindergarten and school. Psychological stress adversely affects the health of the child, becomes the cause of constant stress. The task of parents is to turn to a professional pediatric dermatologist in a timely manner, who will not only help solve the problem, but also support the child, teach him to cope with the disease and not be embarrassed by its manifestations.

Pediatric dermatologist at ON CLINIC

Experienced pediatric dermatologists work at the On Clinic Baby International Medical Center, who can find a language with absolutely any child. They understand parents perfectly and support the desire of mothers and fathers to give the baby all the best, including medical care.

Pediatric dermatologists of our clinic constantly participate in scientific conferences and seminars, and also cooperate with pediatricians and other doctors from the best clinics in Russia and around the world. In addition, we have our own clinical diagnostic laboratory, so small patients receive the results of research in the shortest possible time.

Diagnosis and treatment of vitiligo in children

Diagnosis of vitiligo in infants and older children is based on a clinical examination of the child, the use of special lamps and anamnesis analysis. Other research methods, including laboratory ones, may also be required.

The main goal of vitiligo therapy is to rid the child of a cosmetic defect and restore skin pigmentation.

To date, there are no methods of treatment for this disease that are suitable for absolutely everyone. Therefore, for effective and complete therapy, the qualification of a pediatric dermatologist and an individual approach to a small patient are very important. In many cases, the child needs not only a course of treatment in the clinic, but also the selection of a special diet that will help the body overcome the disease.

To combat vitiligo, both physiotherapeutic methods of treatment that stimulate the synthesis of melanin and medications are used, including the use of drugs inside and local therapy in the form of applying ointments, alcohol extracts and tinctures to the foci of the disease.

What you need to know about vitiligo?

Vitiligo symptoms in children

Vitiligo disease is manifested by the formation on the skin of a child of clearly defined spots with smooth or torn edges. Their color is most often milky white. The skin in the foci of the development of the disease may remain unchanged. In some cases (most often when exposed to ultraviolet light), hyperemia (redness), peeling and thickening of the skin may appear.

Vitiligo can appear as one or more patches on any part of the body - the face (including the lips and skin around the mouth), trunk, hands, feet. When the lesions are located on the head, poliosis is observed - premature depigmentation and graying of the hair.

Spots can either remain unchanged for several years, or increase in size and cover new areas. In the process of development of vitiligo, old foci of the disease merge and new ones form.

Causes of vitiligo

Vitiligo is characterized by the slowdown or death of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. Scientists have not yet been able to establish the main reasons leading to a failure in the production of melanin. Among the most popular causes put forward by various experts are frequent nervous stress, trauma, excessive sun exposure and exposure to chemical agents.

According to some hypotheses, diseases of the endocrinological system, liver disease and helminthic invasion can also lead to the development of vitiligo.