Here's how to identify vitamin deficiency small white spots on skin

Generally, white spots on the skin can be pretty normal since it is the representation of an underlying cause from vitamin deficiency or exposure due to the sun. 

Therefore, white spots in the skin can appear anywhere including the arms, legs, or even face. Basically, white spots in the body are harmless; however, you need to identify its cause for proper treatment to rule out any potential health issue.

Vitamin deficiencies, especially the ones in vitamins D, B12, and E are amongst the most common causes for having white spots on your skin. 

Deficiency leads to the change in pigment that makes the skin a lot paler than otherwise with patches of white marks all over the skin. If your skin has white patches then it may be a body language for you to give proper attention to the fact of imbalances or shortages within your diet. 

Since vitamin D and calcium work simultaneously for maintaining a healthy life for the skin as well as bones, not having the right amount can lead to very visible changes that actually occur externally on the outer layers of the skin and even in more exposed places in the form of white patches.

Many of your skin conditions result in white spots across your epidermis. One such example is pityriasis alba, which is taken into consideration as a light variation of eczema where whitish patches mostly have been presented to the human exterior-mostly among cases of children. Scaly white patches are found with pityriasis alba, which may clear within some time without any medication. 

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis is a disease marked by the appearance of little white spots, often seen on areas of skin where the sun hits most intensely. The age and the sun are the biggest cause of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis spots and typically develop on the arms and legs.

Some of the general types of fungal infections that usually cause white spots include tinea versicolor. Most cases of tinea versicolor manifest with small patches of white spots on the skin, mainly on the back, chest, and neck. In tinea versicolor, the areas may appear more prominent than usual when exposed to light because the infected area fails to tan like the unaffected area. 

While this condition can be managed through over-the-counter application of antifungal treatment, the condition may continue to be recurrent for you, thereby further requiring on-going management.

White spots on skin, mainly face and hands, are predominantly due to vitiligo. Vitiligo is the loss of the pigmentations of the skin, which appears as white patches. 

This autoimmune disease involves an immune system attacking cells in the body that produces melanin, and the patient is known to carry this disease on any part of the body, even his face and other areas of the skin. The white patches of vitiligo are generally more apparent after exposure to the sun since the rest of the skin around them tans while the areas affected by vitiligo remain white.

White spots on the skin can only be established if they can be a sign of vitamin deficiency, exposure to sunlight, or even a condition affecting the skin. For example, if you have spent more time under the sun lately, then perhaps the reason is idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis or tinea versicolor. The spots are caused by alteration in pigmentation of the skin, which becomes apparent under the sun. 

If you are concerned about too much sun exposure, living in a sunny location is one reason you want to keep your skin well-covered with sunscreen, as damage by UV rays may have some role in white spots on skin.

Treatment varies by the cause of the spots on the skin, including any vitamin deficiency as something to correct the patient's diet. You can help prevent and reduce the likelihood of developing white spots on your skin by eating food rich in vitamins D, B12, and E, and minerals like calcium. 

For pityriasis alba, you can obtain topical creams over the counter, and for tinea versicolor, antifungal treatment is applied to manage the condition. Even when you have recurrent white patches, seek the service of a doctor and make proper treatment plans for yourself.

In cases of vitiligo or idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, where the loss of pigmentation is permanent, you might have to consider phototherapy or makeup to manage the appearance of the white spots. Though vitiligo is more difficult to treat, a dermatologist can still provide some options for managing the condition. 

The best outcome will be achieved if you understand what causes the white spots on your skin and work with a professional to address them.

To summarize, white spots on the skin are caused by vitamin deficiency, diseases of the skin, sunburn, and fungal infections. Knowing what causes white spots on the skin is a step towards proper treatment and prevention. 

Knowing that symptoms of potential vitamin deficiencies exist may give you an edge to solve nutritional imbalances by adjusting your diet and adding supplements, restoring the appearance of your skin to normal. White spots on skin are a warning symptom for health, suggesting an increase in attention toward changing signs on the surface of your skin and consulting the advice of experts if need arises.

* Medical Disclaimer  - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphic, and images, are intended as substitutes for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice pertaining to your condition(s).