White spots on the skin after tanning are the unpleasant consequences of prolonged exposure to the sun or under ultraviolet lamps. Their main reason lies in the disruption of the functioning of melanocytes responsible for the production of the coloring substance melanin. With timely initiation of therapy and compliance with preventive measures, in most cases the spots disappear without a trace.
Why do white spots appear after tanning?
The sun's rays alone cannot cause white spots or discoloration of the top layer of skin. However, being in the open sun can cause the manifestation of an already hidden illness. According to the conclusion of dermatologists, white spots may indicate the presence of various abnormalities in the human body:
- White spots on the face that do not tan may appear due to insufficient melanin in the skin. Melanin is a substance on which the color of human skin depends: the more of it, the darker the skin. In addition, melanin protects the skin from ultraviolet rays. In the absence of the proper amount of melanin, the tan turns out to be uneven (hence the white spots).
- Vitiligo disease is the inability of skin cells to reproduce melanin. Active sun can provoke the development of the disease and intensify the nature of the manifestation. People with this disease should be especially careful to avoid sunburn.
- Pityriasis versicolor. The fungus that has infected the skin prevents the penetration of sunlight into the skin, hence the appearance of an uneven tan.
- The cause of white spots may be increased sweating.
- Taking medications. Various medications, including birth control pills, can disrupt the balance and production of melanin.
- Guttate hypomelanosis. It is a genetic disease that causes loss of skin color.
Most often, when white spots appear, a disease such as vitiligo is detected. In modern medicine, the disease is scientifically called leucoderma, which translated from Latin means “white skin color.” According to the latest data, today about 1% of people on the planet suffer from this disease.
Important! The disease is not a congenital disease.
The development of vitiligo occurs in rare cases at an early age. The active phase of the disease is observed during periods of increased solar activity - in spring and summer. The most common causes of vitiligo in humans have been identified:
- disruptions in the body directly related to the autoimmune system;
- genetic predisposition;
- disruptions in the endocrine system and hormonal imbalances;
- damage to the skin after heavy tanning;
- disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
- exposure to chemicals on the skin.
In most cases, it is not possible to identify the cause of the appearance of white spots on the skin on your own, so you need to consult a qualified dermatologist. White spots on the skin can appear in both adults and children. If spots appear on your child’s skin, you should immediately consult a pediatrician.
Appearance mechanism
Light spots can appear anywhere. Most often they occur on the face, shoulders, arms, legs, and back. Such traces can be large or small, with round and vague outlines. The mechanism of their appearance is explained by weak melanin synthesis. This is a coloring pigment responsible for the color shade of hair and skin. It has a dark brown color and is produced during the oxidation of tyrosine. Usually its average amount is determined by a genetic factor, but under the influence of the environment it can vary slightly.
Melanin is an important component of the immune system; it protects the body from cancer and the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. This pigment neutralizes the negative effects of free radicals in the epidermis and prevents the development of biochemical processes of radionuclides.
Melanin is also present in internal organs. Albinism can be called a clear example of a violation of its production.
Such people are much more susceptible to radiation and sunburn. Sometimes white spots after tanning are formed due to a malfunction of the thyroid gland or fungal infection.
When to see a doctor
If even a small number of white spots appear on the skin after sunbathing, you should immediately consult a dermatologist. As mentioned above, the cause of uneven color on the skin can be a serious illness.
Comment! Sometimes the cause of spots is psoriasis. Although the pathology is an incurable disease, an integrated approach to treatment makes it possible to maintain remission for a long time. If a disease is detected, the doctor will prescribe a series of tests and draw up a treatment plan.
Diagnostic methods
Most often, to determine the nature of the occurrence of white spots on the skin, a dermatologist performs specific tests. Special research methods are also used:
- laboratory scraping;
- glow with a Wood's lamp.
To determine the presence of a particular disease, you may need to take a general blood test, as well as a blood test for hormones. You should check with your doctor for more detailed information. It is important not to use any products on the skin the day before visiting the doctor, since the application of one or another drug may distort the true picture of the diagnosis.
How to get rid of white spots after sunbathing
You can get rid of sun spots with the help of drug treatment, which in most cases involves the use of drugs internally and the use of external ointments with the active substance. The size and intensity of spots can be reduced through cosmetic procedures, as well as using tinctures and ointments prepared according to folk recipes. When using this or that product, you must first consult with a specialist.
Folk remedies for light spots on the skin after sunbathing
At home, white pigment spots on the body after tanning can be removed only if their appearance is not associated with a skin disease. There are several effective folk recipes for improving skin color and softening the transition.
You can wipe stains with fresh ginger. Some healers recommend fresh cabbage leaves for several hours.
The affected areas can also be lubricated with a mixture that is easy to prepare yourself at home. To do this, mix honey, rice flour, sandalwood powder and turmeric in equal proportions. The mixture should be homogeneous. Apply strictly to the affected areas in a thin layer.
You can restore skin pigment by consuming sesame seeds. Grind the seeds using a blender or coffee grinder and consume 1-2 times a day for 15 days. The intensity of the spots will be reduced significantly.
Homemade masks containing the following ingredients will also help make your skin color more uniform: nuts, kefir, sour cream. A cucumber mask does not so much help remove blemishes as it helps soothe the skin after sunbathing.
Drug treatment for white spots on the skin from the sun
For effective treatment, a dermatologist must carefully collect the results of the examination and only then create a treatment plan. A set of measures aimed at eliminating white spots on the skin may include:
- the use of external ointments containing meladinin;
- ultraviolet irradiation procedure;
- removing stains with laser;
- taking meladonin in tablet form;
- restoration of hormone balance;
- restoration of normal functioning of the endocrine system.
Only a qualified dermatologist can competently draw up a drug treatment plan.
Cosmetic procedures for white spots on the skin after the sun
Modern cosmetology is able to cope with white spots that appear on the skin, however, in order to create a consistent treatment plan, the cosmetologist will need to conduct a thorough diagnosis, because each case of a violation of the uniformity of the skin is individual.
In most cases, a qualified cosmetologist will suggest:
- superficial peeling;
- deep peeling;
- ozone therapy.
Superficial peeling is the use of fruit acids. The purpose of the procedure is to remove dead remnants of the epidermis. Does not require rehabilitation, since there are no deep mechanical damage to the skin. Allows you to eliminate completely new stains.
Deep peeling is also often used to eliminate white spots on the skin after sun exposure. The procedure uses a more intense acid, which is not suitable for those with sensitive skin. During peeling, small damage is formed on the epidermis, so the duration of rehabilitation can reach 7-10 days.
A cosmetologist may also suggest ozone therapy. The procedure is aimed at thoroughly cleansing the skin of dirt and combating harmful microorganisms. White spots from the sun on the face can be removed using a laser or photorejuvenation procedure, but it is important to consult with a specialist before carrying out this procedure. This procedure is quite expensive, but the result is noticeable immediately.
It is not advisable to carry out all the procedures presented in the warm season, since after the procedure the skin must be protected from sunlight. The cosmetologist will also recommend special care designed to even out skin tone. In most cases, such products contain acids, so they should be used in the cold season.
What does sun fungus look like?
The spots, which indicate the development of a fungal infection, have an irregular shape. Beach fungus on the skin, for which drug treatment is provided, does not lead to the development of unbearable itching or severe irritation.
Typically, patients do not experience obvious discomfort that prevents them from leading their normal lives. This is the main difference between solar lichen and other similar infectious diseases.
Many people are pleased that there are no symptoms of sun fungus. In fact, this is the danger, because they are not aware of their problem and do not begin to eliminate it. If irritation and itching appear against the background of this disease, it means that another infection has joined it. In such a situation, it is necessary to begin treatment immediately before the health condition deteriorates further.
Doctors recognize the symptoms of solar lichen by its stages of development:
- First stage. At this stage, the patient may notice the presence of small yellowish or pink spots on his skin. Sometimes the color of the rash is different;
- Second stage. The spots begin to acquire a darker color. Over time they turn brown. Their size increases. Individual spots can merge with each other, thus forming quite large lesions of the epidermis;
- Third stage. Scales appear on the surface of the formed spots. They are peeling off little by little.
At the last stage, due to peeling, a person may experience itching. Rubbing the affected areas of the skin will cause pain.
Apart from its unattractive appearance, the fungus does not cause any other discomfort.
Prevention of white spots on the body after sunbathing
In order to prevent the appearance of white spots on the skin, the following rules should not be neglected:
- You need to sunbathe for a limited amount of time; as you develop a tan, the duration of exposure to the sun’s rays can be increased;
- It is undesirable to sunbathe during peak sun activity, especially for those with fair and sensitive skin. It is important to avoid not only the appearance of white spots, but also to protect yourself from sunstroke;
- It is important to regularly use creams with an SPF factor, and the layer of cream must be renewed throughout the day, as well as after each stay in the water.
It is important to remember to protect the skin of the face and décolleté, as the skin in this area is most vulnerable. When using special protective products, the risk of white spots appearing on the face after tanning is reduced. For each skin type it is important to choose the right level of protection.
To prevent white spots from appearing on your body after sunbathing, it is important to take care of your skin daily. Remove dead cells using a body scrub 1-2 times a week (if the skin is dry, the scrub must certainly contain oil). We must not forget about moisturizing the skin: every day after taking a bath or shower, cream or milk should be evenly applied to the skin.
What to do if you are allergic to the sun?
To prevent the appearance of symptoms of the disease, you need to follow certain rules:
- Limit sun exposure. If you are prone to allergies, you can be exposed to ultraviolet radiation for no more than 20 minutes;
- Before going to the beach, it is prohibited to apply decorative cosmetics and perfume to the skin;
- Use sunscreens with high SPF;
- Avoid using cosmetics containing fragrances, as they can cause pigmentation;
- Apply sunscreen about 20 minutes before sun exposure;
- After leaving the water, do not wipe yourself dry so as not to dry out your skin. It is enough to blot it with a towel;
- Immediately after swimming, it is better to relax in the shade;
- If you have such problems, you should choose the right time for tanning - before 10 o’clock or after 17 o’clock;
- In difficult cases, it is recommended to wear long sleeves to cover the surface of the skin as much as possible.
At the first symptoms of an allergy, you should consult a doctor. The specialist will make the correct diagnosis and select effective antihistamines.
