White patches on the face are a skin condition that may be caused by depigmentation of the skin, fungal infection or minerals, and vitamin deficiency in the body. Skin that is rough and peeling off your face is very ugly and can lower your self-esteem. Chemicals in somebody lotions or soaps may also cause reactions to people with sensitive skin. Severe skin sunburn may also cause white patches around eyes, forehead, and cheeks as well as dried skin on the lips including areas around the mouth. Continue reading below for more on how to get rid of white patches on the skin, causes, removal, and treatment for both children and adults
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White Patches on Face Vitamin Deficiency
As much as skin pigmentation depends on your genes, vitamin deficiency in the body can cause depigmentation on the skin and make you have white patches on your face and any other part of your body. Here is a list of vitamins that are essential for the maintenance of pigmentation;
1. Vitamin B12
The reference daily intake for vitamin B12 is 2.4 micrograms. The deficiency of vitamin B 12 causes a type of anemia known as pernicious anemia. This type of anemia is characterized by white patches on the skin. Other related symptoms include;
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Numbness
- Excessive weight loss
Lack of B12 can cause neurological problems. Vegetarians are advised to take vitamin B 12 supplements since vitamin B12 is found in animal proteins like meat and eggs.
2. Vitamin B-9
Vitamin B-9 is also known as folic acid. The recommended dietary intake of folic acid in adults is 400 micrograms. Insufficient vitamin B-9 in the body causes a type of anemia known as folate-deficiency anemia which interferes with skin pigmentation hence the formation of white patches on face or skin. Other related symptoms include;
- Fatigue
- Headache
The best source for folic acid is leafy greens, beans, and fortified juices
3. Vitamin C
Lack of Vitamin C causes diseases known as scurvy that makes the skin pale, damages bones, and skin. The RDI for vitamin C is 75 milligrams for women and 90 milligrams for men. Fresh fruits and vegetables like lemon, oranges, broccoli, and strawberries. You should ensure you include these foods that are rich in vitamin C in your diet.
White Patches on the Face of a Child
Why are there white splotches on the face of my child? Deficiency of certain vitamins or too much exposure to sunlight can make your child have white patches on his or her face.
Children that have dry skin are prone to a skin condition known as pityriasis alba which makes your skin develop irregular, round, or oval white patches on the face when exposed to sun rays. These patches are very dry and scaly but they are not cancerous.
It affects children between the age of 3 and 16. If your child has got dry skin then you need to apply moisturizer on their skin on a regular basis in order to prevent this condition. The patches won’t keep coming back if you maintain healthy skin.
A fungal infection like Tinea Versicolor also causes white patches on the skin that become more visible when exposed to the sun. Topical antifungal treatment can help in the removal of these patches.
White Patches on Face under Skin
When the melanocyte cells that are destroyed or they stop functioning, the skin pigmentation will be compromised since melanin will not be produced. This depigmentation of the skin will make your skin appear like it has white patches beneath it. This is how vitiligo forms. They are under the skin.
White Spots on Face, not Pimples
Milia is a form of acne that forms on the skin. They are not pimples. They form when skin thickens and traps dead cells beneath it forming tiny hard white cysts. The skin can get thickened by excess exposure to sunlight or certain products found in cosmetics that we use on our skin.
These spots can affect anyone at any age, but mostly affect babies because their skin is still underdeveloped. These bumps should not be popped. They will go away on their own after 6 weeks or more. You may also see more on small white spots on the skin.
Causes of White Patches on the Face
Below are some factors that may cause white patches on the skin or face that may be peeling, falling off, or itchy. In some cases, these patches may be severe and those with sensitive or delicate skin should try and avoid these causative factors.
1. Sun
The sun causes white patches on the face if the skin has been subjected to turning or some kind of fungal infection. Some skin condition usually forms patches that are only visible after exposure to sunlight.
2. Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a skin condition that occurs when melanocyte cells that are responsible for the production of melanin begin to malfunction or die. The skin loses its pigmentation and white patches form on the face or any other affected area of the body like hands, feet, and even the genital area. Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition whereby your immune system is overactive and attacks healthy cells.
According to Mayo clinic “The main sign of vitiligo is color (pigment) loss that produces light or white patches on your skin. Usually, the discoloration first shows on sun-exposed areas, such as the hands, feet, arms, face, and lips”
3. Fungus, Yeast infection
The fungus is responsible for the cause of a skin condition known as Tinea Versicolor. This skin condition causes white patches on the face that become more visible when exposed to sunlight, hot or humid weather. Oily skin also tends to make these patches more visible to the eye.
The fungus is found in nature on the skin but they can multiply and cause infections. They thrive in warm and damp environments. It is important to take a shower and dry your body whenever you sweat. Do not also wear tight clothes all the time. Your skin needs to breathe freely.
4. Diabetes
Diabetes increases blood sugar level and this makes the body and skin susceptible to yeast infection and vitiligo.
5. Milia
Milia are tiny white spots that appear on the face, around the eyes, nose, and chin. They form when dead cells get trapped under the skin instead of being exfoliated. They are most common in the skin of a newborn baby who has underdeveloped skin.
They can appear in clusters and look like white patches on the face. They are very stubborn and won’t go away easily. They can last for 6 weeks or more.
6. Pregnancy
Women experience a lot of hormonal fluctuation during pregnancy. Hormonal imbalance can cause white patches on the skin of a pregnant woman. Most of these patches disappear after the woman gives birth.
7. Eczema
A skin condition known as Pityriasis Alba is a form of eczema that forms itchy rashes on the face that is covered by white flakes resembling white dust. These patches do not have a defined border. People who are asthmatic or have allergies are more prone to getting this skin condition.
8. Calcium deficiency
Calcium deficiency can also cause white patches on the face. Deficiency
Other symptoms that are associated with white patches on skin include;
- Premature graying of eyelashes and eyebrows
- Premature graying of scalp hair and beard
How to Get Rid of White Patches on Face Fast-Home Remedies
Home remedies always supplement treatment and make you heal faster. They also help in getting rid of the patches and prevent secondary infections.
1. Honey
Honey is an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent. It prevents the skin from drying up.
What you need
- Honey
- Beeswax
- Olive oil
- Water
- A clean towel
What to do
- Melt beeswax
- Mix beeswax, honey, and olive oil in the same ratio.
- Apply the mixture on the white patches on the face
- Leave it for 10 minutes
- Wash it off using warm water
- Dry your face using a clean towel
2. Cabbage
This is a natural remedy that reduces the appearance of white patches on the skin caused by vitiligo.
Requirement
- Cabbage
- Water
- Blender
Procedure
- Blend cabbage leaves into juice
- Apply the cabbage juice on the white patches on face
- Let it settle for 10 minutes
- Wash it off using warm water
- Dry your face using a clean towel
- Repeat this thrice a day
3. Ginger
Ginger is rich in antioxidants that restore skin health. It improves blood circulation in the body and this helps in the production of melanin.
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 15 minutes
- You may also 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
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is capable of getting rid of white patches on the face caused by sunburn or vitiligo.
Requirements
- Apple cider vinegar
- A Cotton Ball
- A clean piece of cloth
What to do
- Ensure the affected area is clean
- Mix one part of apple cider vinegar with 1o parts of water
- Soak a cotton ball with the mixture
- Apply the mixture on the affected area using the cotton ball
- Let it settle for 10 minutes
- Wash it off with cold water
- Pat the affected area dry with a clean piece of cloth
- Repeat this process once a day
5. Neem
Neem will help your skin get back its natural pigmentation. It is ideal for the removal of these white patches on the skin.
Requirements
- Neem leaves
- A Pestle & a mortar
- A knife
- Honey
- A clean piece of cloth
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 all over your face
- Let it settle for 15 minutes
- Rinse it off with warm water
- Pat dry the affected area using a clean piece of cloth
6. Almond Oil
Almond oil is rich in vitamin E that is an essential vitamin for healthy skin. It is also a natural antioxidant.
What you need
- Almond oil
- Water
- A clean piece of cloth
Procedure
- Warm the almond oil
- Apply almond oil on your ace
- Massage your face gently so that the oil gets absorbed
- Let it stay on your skin for 30 minutes
- Rinse it off using warm water
- Dry your face using a clean piece of cloth
7. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a natural herb that has got antibacterial and antifungal properties. It soothes the skin and protects it against impurities.
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.
8. Olive Oil
Olive oil soothes and moisturizes your skin. It is natural antioxidants and contains fatty acids that are essential for dry skin.
Requirement
- Olive oil
- Water
- A clean towel
What to do
- Warm the olive oil
- Apply olive oil on your ace
- Massage your face gently so that the olive oil gets absorbed
- Let it stay on your skin for 30 minutes
- Rinse it off using warm water
- Dry your face using a clean towel
9. Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal agent. It works well when mixed with mustard oil because it moisturizes 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 white patches on the face.
- Repeat this twice a day for 6 weeks
10. Figs
Fig is rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins that will boost your immune system and purify your blood.
Requirement
- Figs
- Boiled water
What to do
- Dry the figs in the sun
- Boil a glass of water
- Add a tablespoon of fig this water
- Let the figs steep for a few minutes
- Add honey to the mixture and stir
- Drink the fig water 2 times a day until you recover
11. Radish seeds
Radish seeds restore natural skin pigmentation.
What you need
- Radish seeds
- Pestle and mortar
- Vinegar
Procedure
- Use pestle and mortar to crush radish seeds.
- Add vinegar to the radish seeds
- Mix them together to form a paste
- Apply this paste on your face
- Let it mask your face overnight
- Wash it off in the morning using warm water
- Mix these ingredients to make a fairly thick paste.
- Repeat this process every night until you notice a change.
12. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an antibacterial and antifungal agent. It also moisturizes the skin and improves blood circulation. It is an ideal remedy for eczema and psoriasis.
Requirements
- Virgin Coconut oil
- A Cotton Ball
- A clean piece of cloth
How to apply it
- Wash your face and dry it using clean piece of cloth
- Pour coconut oil on the palm of your hands
- Apply coconut oil on your face
- Massage the oil into your skin
- Let it stay overnight
- Repeat this process every night until you recover.
13. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil improves skin pigmentation. 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.
- Gently apply the oil mixture on the affected areas using the palm of your hands
- Let the oil mixture settle overnight
- Wash it off when you wake up
- Repeat this every night before you go to bed.
14. Basil Leaves
Basil leaves are an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal agent that fights all types of fungal and bacterial infections.
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 your face
- Let it settle for 10 minutes uninterrupted
- You may also chew these leaves
15. Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants which will make your skin healthy and get rid of the white patches.
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 your face using the soaked cotton ball.
- Leave it on for a couple of minutes and then rinse it off with water.
- Dry your face using a clean towel
- You should also drink green tea every day
16. Beetroot
Beetroots are also rich in pigments that can help to restore the skin’s natural pigment. They also improve blood circulation in the body. If you want to have healthy skin even after you heal then you need to frequently take beetroots.
What you need
- 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
White Patches on Face Treatment
Since white patches on face are symptoms of a certain skin condition, they can only be treated by treating the underlying health issue. Home remedies complement the treatment method. The following are some of the solutions that your doctor will recommend after a proper diagnosis;
- Anti-fungal creams like clotrimazole and miconazole are used to treat Tinea Versicolor
- Vitiligo can be treated using laser therapy, skin grafting, or depigmentation treatments. Topical medicinal creams like corticosteroid and Oxsoralen can be used to treat
- Ayurvedic medicine – Is the best herbal treatment for vitiligo
- Pityriasis Alba can be treated by applying moisturizers whenever your skin gets wet.
