White spots on hands can be the result of something as simple as sun damage. Ultraviolet (UV) exposure can cause white spots on the backs of the hands as melanocytes, those melanin-producing cells located in the bottom layer of the skin’s epidermis, are destroyed.
White spots also may be the start of a chronic skin disease affecting approximately 1% of the population known as vitiligo, also known as leucoderma, which means white (leuco) skin (derma), i.e., a disorder in which the skin loses its normal colour. Vitiligo results in the depigmentation of patches of skin, usually on extremities.
Although the patches may start out small, they can enlarge and change shape. Vitiligo happens when melanocytes, cells responsible for skin pigmentation, die or cannot function.
Although the exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, scientific research suggests the condition may arise from causes that are autoimmune, genetic, neural, viral, or the result of oxidative stress. There is no cure for vitiligo, but treatments to improve the condition are available.
Treatments fall into four categories: (1) sunblock applied to areas of vitiligo to prevent sunburn; (2) skin camouflage with makeup; (3) reversal by the application of corticosteroid cream, the treatment traditionally recommended by dermatologists, and other creams, as well as ultraviolet light treatments; and (4) depigmenting through topical drugs or monobenzone cream for the permanent removal of skin pigment, making sun safety precautions essential.
Avoid self-tanners. Self-tanners aggravate vitiligo.
Perhaps the most notable case of vitiligo was that of pop star, Michael Jackson, who in the early 1990s in an interview with Oprah Winfrey, claimed that he didn’t bleach his skin but rather had vitiligo.
White spots also may be the start of a chronic skin disease affecting approximately 1% of the population known as vitiligo, also known as leucoderma, which means white (leuco) skin (derma), i.e., a disorder in which the skin loses its normal colour. Vitiligo results in the depigmentation of patches of skin, usually on extremities.
Although the patches may start out small, they can enlarge and change shape. Vitiligo happens when melanocytes, cells responsible for skin pigmentation, die or cannot function.
Although the exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, scientific research suggests the condition may arise from causes that are autoimmune, genetic, neural, viral, or the result of oxidative stress. There is no cure for vitiligo, but treatments to improve the condition are available.
Treatments fall into four categories: (1) sunblock applied to areas of vitiligo to prevent sunburn; (2) skin camouflage with makeup; (3) reversal by the application of corticosteroid cream, the treatment traditionally recommended by dermatologists, and other creams, as well as ultraviolet light treatments; and (4) depigmenting through topical drugs or monobenzone cream for the permanent removal of skin pigment, making sun safety precautions essential.
Avoid self-tanners. Self-tanners aggravate vitiligo.
Perhaps the most notable case of vitiligo was that of pop star, Michael Jackson, who in the early 1990s in an interview with Oprah Winfrey, claimed that he didn’t bleach his skin but rather had vitiligo.
