When the weather warms up, and you lace up your sneakers to head to the park with your friends, you don’t think about how much sunlight you’ll get. However, spending time outdoors comes with its fair share of risks, one of which is exposure to the sun without the right protection. Not only does prolonged exposure to the sun cause skin damage that leads to wrinkles, white spots, and brown skin in the long run, but it also causes a range of skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, erythema (redness), pruritus (itchiness), and lichenification (thinning or scarring of outer layers). Fortunately, there are ways you can prevent white spots on your skin from sun exposure.
How to Prevent White Spots?
Stay in the Shade
No matter how excited you are to get outside and enjoy the summer, you should avoid spending too much time in the sun. Sun exposure is the leading cause of white spots on the skin, and it can lead to a range of skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. Eczema and psoriasis are autoimmune disorders, which means your immune system attacks your skin. In some people, the attacking particles are on the skin’s surface, whereas in others, they’re inside the skin’s layers. The key to preventing white spots, eczema and psoriasis is reducing your risk of sun damage, and one of the easiest ways to do this is to stay in the shade. All you have to do is find a small patch of shade and take a break from the sun. You’ll protect your skin from damage if you can find shade under an awning, building, or tree.
Wear Sunscreen Every Day
To prevent white spots on your skin, the best way to do it is by wearing sunscreen daily. Sunscreen is your best defense against the harmful effects of sunlight on your skin. It protects your skin from sun damage, including wrinkles and white spots, by blocking the UV rays that cause them. Choosing the right sunscreen for your skin type is important, especially if you have white spots on your skin from sun exposure. People with fair skin and blue eyes should consider wearing sunscreen with a higher SPF ( sun protection factor). No matter what your skin type is, you should wear sunscreen daily.
Wear a Hat and Sunglasses
While wearing a hat and sunglasses are great for protecting your skin from the sun, they may also not protect your eyes. So, rely on something other than these two things as your only defense against the harmful effects of sunlight on your skin. Consider getting darker sunglasses if you spend much time outside, especially in summer. Having darker sunglasses will prevent any white spots around your eyes caused by spending too much time outdoors.
Avoid Tanning Beds
Although tanning beds can result in a golden tan, they’re not the most effective way to prevent white spots on your skin from the sun. While tanning beds use UV light for tanning your skin, they also expose you to the harmful effects of sunlight. If you want to prevent white spots on your skin from the sun, you should avoid using tanning beds. Tanning beds aren’t safe and increase your risk of developing skin cancers and other skin conditions. Instead of using a tanning bed, slather on sunscreen daily and avoid spending too much time in the sun.
Conclusion
If the idea of white spots on your skin from the sun makes you cringe or look to prevent them, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Avoid staying in the sun for long periods, and wear sunscreen daily. If you spend time outside, consider wearing darker sunglasses to prevent your eyes from yellowing. And, if you have white spots on your skin from the sun, ensure to protect your skin from further damage. These tips may take a little effort, but they’ll be worth it when you look in the mirror and don’t see white spots on your skin.
FAQ
Does stress cause white spots?
There is no direct evidence to suggest that stress causes white spots on the skin. However, stress can weaken the immune system, which can make you more vulnerable to certain skin conditions that can cause white spots, such as vitiligo or pityriasis alba. Therefore, stress indirectly may contribute to the development of white spots on the skin.
Are white spots on the skin cancerous?
White spots on the skin are not necessarily cancerous, but some forms of skin cancer, such as melanoma, can appear as white spots or patches on the skin. It is essential to have any suspicious or unusual spots or moles on the skin examined by a dermatologist to determine if they are cancerous or not.
Are white spots on the face harmless?
White spots on the face are not always harmful and can be due to several reasons, such as sun damage, fungal infections, acne scars, or vitiligo. However, it is best to have any unusual or persistent spots on the face examined by a dermatologist to rule out any serious underlying conditions.
Does b12 deficiency cause white spots on the skin?
Yes, vitamin B12 deficiency can cause white spots or patches on the skin. This is because B12 plays a vital role in the production of melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin. When there is a deficiency of this vitamin, the skin may lose its pigmentation, leading to white spots. However, other conditions can also cause white spots, so it is important to have a medical professional diagnose the cause of your skin condition.
