White Spots from Tanning: Causes, Home Remedies, and OTC Treatments
You love getting your skin to be tanned. You may have noticed white spots on your skin. If you have noticed white patches or spots on your skin, it is likely that they are the result of time spent in a tanning bed while on vacation. It is possible for your skin to develop white spots after tanning. This is not uncommon. In fact, people who spend long periods of time in sunlight can develop these spots or marks. We can help if you are worried about the white spots that result from tanning. We will learn the causes and remedies of this skin problem in this article.
What are those pesky white spots?
Let’s first understand what these ugly white spots are. There are many reasons for the appearance of these spots. However, they can often be traced back to a common infection of the skin caused by tanning. This infection blocks the production of melanin in the affected skin areas. The infected skin area will remain white while the rest of the body becomes tanned. The infection can cause changes to the skin’s color and texture, which are visible when one attempts to tan.
What Causes White Spots After Tanning
The underlying causes of white spots that appear on the skin due to tanning are:
Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor is an inflammatory skin condition where yeast ( Pityrosporum Ovale ) grows uncontrollably on the skin. It interferes with skin pigmentation. This usually occurs at the site of infection, resulting in lighter or darker patches. They become more noticeable when the infection remains the same, but the rest is tanned by the sun. This condition is most common in adolescents and young adults who live and sweat in humid and hot climates. It can also be caused due to oily skin, a weak immune system, hormonal fluctuations, etc.
Tanning Beds
You are more likely to get white spots if you use a tanning bed that exposes the skin to artificial UV light. These spots are most common when blood flow is uneven, and some parts of the skin don’t get tanned. There is also a chance of getting a fungus infection in tanning beds due to the heat and humidity. The fungus can start to grow once the UV light is turned off. This infection will cause white patches of skin.
Is it dangerous to have white spots on the skin after tanning?
First of all, you should know that white spots caused by tanning are contagious. Although they may look unpleasant, they can be easily treated and are not harmful. Correct remedies can be used to combat the fungus causing these white spots. There is no need to panic.
Treatments for White Spots from Tanning
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Wash affected areas of skin with a mixture of 1 part anti-dandruff and four parts water. The anti-dandruff products can fight the fungus that causes white spots to appear on your skin.
Antifungal Cream
Another way to treat infection is by using creams containing selenium and antifungal properties (which slow down the growth rate of the fungus). To see results, apply the cream to the affected areas for at least a week.
Antifungal Powder
To inhibit the growth, keep the skin as dry as possible. The antifungal powder can be used to prevent moisture from being produced in the skin and fight infection.
Home remedies for white spots on the skin caused by tanning
Aloe Vera Gel
Use fresh Aloe Vera Gel on the affected areas. Repeat 2-3 times per day. This will reduce the amount of oil on your skin’s surface and, therefore, the growth of fungus.
Tea Tree Oil
Mix coconut oil with tea tree oil in a 3:1 ratio and gently massage it into the affected areas of your skin. It will take approximately two weeks for this natural antifungal treatment to produce significant results.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
After some time, apply diluted apple vinegar (add one teaspoon to a cup of water) on the white spots. Wash off with cold running water. It is necessary to apply it every two hours for at least two weeks.
Baking Soda
Scrub the white patches gently with a teaspoon of Baking Soda. This will neutralize your skin’s pH, kill the fungus that causes infection, and gradually heal the affected area.
Take Precautions To Follow
It takes time for white spots to heal. To encourage healing, you should limit sun exposure until the spots have completely faded.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How long do white spots from tanning last?
The white spots that result from tanning disappear completely. As previously mentioned, the spots become more prominent as you develop a suntan. Hence. The more you fade your sun tan, the quicker those spots will disappear.
Are they coming back?
When an infection returns, it is not uncommon for white spots to appear. They do not damage the skin permanently and can be treated at any time.
Are these white spots itchy and dry?
Even though the white spots are caused by a fungus, they should not be dry or itchy. Consult a dermatologist if your white spots are unusually itchy and dry. This could be an indication of a serious skin condition.
What Vitamin Deficiency Can Cause White Spots on the Skin?
It is not a vitamin deficiency that causes white spots. Your skin can develop white patches or marks if you are lacking in essential nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin E. These patches are harmless, and they can be easily treated by eating a balanced and healthy diet.
Is Vitamin B12 Deficiency the cause of white spots?
If the white spots are caused by tanning, then you need to consider an infection. There are other skin conditions, such as hyperpigmentation (also known as vitiligo), angular stomatitis, and angular stomatitis. The white lesions on the skin are caused by the body not absorbing enough vitamin B12.
These white spots, can I get skin cancer?
The white spots that result from tanning can be caused by a harmless fungal infection. It will disappear completely with the correct treatment. They shouldn’t put you at risk for skin cancer. If you are prone to getting a tan and do it often, you should be cautious. The UV rays from the sun can cause your skin to change color and eventually increase your chances of developing skin cancer.
