White spot on the face is the most common skin problem among kids. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including allergies and nutritional deficiencies. White patches on the skin usually appear when the skin protein or dead cell becomes trapped under the skin’s surface. Depigmentation can also be the reason.

Generally white spots are not a reason to worry or concern, but still it is important to get it checked by a dermatologist, to know the causes or treatment.

Causes of white spot on kid’s face

Mineral and Vitamin deficiency:

We are what we eat. We all know the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet, but kids being fussy eaters miss the required nutrients, as a result they suffer from mineral and vitamin deficiencies and white spots on their face can be one of them. Deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D and vitamin E can cause white patches on the skin.

Vitamin B12 is responsible for the production of melanin in the body. Deficiency in this vitamin can also lead to white spots.

Tinea versicolor:

Tinea versicolor is the common fungal infection of the skin. It  is a skin condition characterized by patches of lighter or darker skin. This is caused by a type of yeast (fungus) that is found on most people’s skin. It is generally not harmful and isn’t contagious. They are especially common on the back, chest, neck and/or arms. They may occur on the face as well, particularly in children. People who have a weakened immune system are generally more susceptible to infections. People who live in a humid or hot climate are affected more. Exposure to the sun can make these patches even worse.

Pityriasis alba:

Pityriasis alba is a common skin disorder of patches of light-colored (hypopigmented) areas. The cause is unknown  but usually appears during summers and the humid season may be linked to atopic dermatitis (eczema). The disorder is most common in children and teens. They are mostly located on the face, arms, and upper trunk and are more noticeable in people with darker skin types. Starts with red, scaly, itchy patches. These patches eventually heal and leave behind faint, white spots.

Worm Infection

This reason is still under research. Some people claim the white patches are due to worms in the stomach. Though this reason is not sure, you can still deworm your kids once in a while. (How to deworm kids naturally?)

Tips to prevent white spot on kid’s face:

You can prevent your child from white spots on face simply by following these tips’

• Always make sure that your child is applying a broad spectrum sunscreen before going out in the sun.  It’s better to use sunscreen as recommended by a doctor. (How to apply a sunscreen?)
• Give your child a balanced diet to meet their daily nutritional needs. So that they do not suffer from any deficiency. (what is a balanced diet for kids?)
• However there is no study to prove the impact of worms on white spots on the face, no harm to get your baby deworm every 6 months.
• Make sure the face is not oily and sweaty, wash the face with a mild foaming cleanser and clean it often with cold water, at least 2 to 3 times a day.
• If these white patches are due to some fungal infection, then use antifungal cream as prescribed by the doctor.
• Some pediatricians may also advise using non-perfume and non-dye emollients. This will prevent dry skin which might sometimes lead to Pityriasis Alba.

However these white spots on the face or Pityriasis Alba is a self-limiting disease and is likely to disappear on its own. There is no specific treatment for white spots, but if the affected area have severe itching or whitish patch has changed color to reddish and is also spreading, it’s better to consult your pediatrician or dermatologist 

Foods that may help to prevent white spot on face

There are certain foods that you must include to your child’s daily diet to avoid white spots on face of kids

CALCIUM:

Deficiency of calcium not only can cause white spots on the face but also results in weaker bones. It is really important to get strong bones and we get a chance to build them only once – throughout childhood and adolescence. Children who get enough calcium in childhood start their adult lives with the strongest bones possible. Mostly calcium is stored in bones and teeth where it supports their structure and hardness, but the body also needs calcium for muscles to move and for nerves to carry messages between the brain and every body part. Calcium is predominantly found in milk and milk based products like cheese. And is also found in smaller quantities in some nuts and seeds. (Should kids take whey protein?) Moreover, few herbs such as shallaki also contain calcium.

Vitamin D:

Every single cell in the body requires this Vitamin D. Body can also produce this through cholesterol exposure to sunlight. However, deficiency of Vitamin D is common in kids and along with white spots results in weaker bones and muscles, fatigue, depression, body pain, and extreme hair loss (alopecia). Vitamin D too has to be consumed with fat (oil). For e.g. Cheese has vitamin D and fat both, so it’s a great food supplement for children to meet this nutrition.

Vitamin E:

It is an important vitamin that also acts as a powerful antioxidant, which helps to protect the body against damage caused by free radicals (pollution, lifestyle, stress, processed food).Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin which can be stored in the body. It is rarely found deficient in kids who eat nuts, seeds and greens. This vitamin is vital in protecting against any infections and damage to eyes, skin, and brain and enables regeneration of cells to keep organs healthy and active.

Vitamin B12:

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause white spots on face. It is also known as Cobalamin is important for the production of blood cells and melanin in the body to sustain healthy nerve cells in the body. Apart from white spots on the face, vitamin B12 shortage can also lead to a number of symptoms including weakness, exhaustion, constipation, a decreased appetite, and weight. Failure to meet the minimum requirements can also have negative effects on the nervous system and can lead to mental illness such as confusion, depression and dementia. The main food sources of vitamin B12 are Dairy products, fish, meat, beef liver, and fortified cereals. 

Home remedies for white spot on face

Ginger:

It has anti-inflammatory  antibacterial, antiviral properties that make it an excellent home remedy for healing skin discoloration. Cut a slice of ginger and place it on the affected area. Let it sit there until the ginger dries. Repeat this one to two times a day till a few weeks to see the results.

Tulsi:

Tulsi is an important herb and every household should have it. With its antibiotic and excellent antifungal properties, it kills the fungi that cause discoloration. Make your child chew 2 to 3 leaves daily to see positive results in a few weeks.

Coconut oil:

Coconut oil applied to the skin is an anti-inflammatory that will encourage the growth of new pigment. It protects your skin from the harmful UV radiations by acting as a barrier between your skin and the radiations. This acts as a natural sunscreen as few studies have stated that it can block about 15-20% of the sun’s UV radiation

Copper pot:

If you eat more copper (by using copper pots) you can aid in the production of melanin which may help prevent future melanin loss. Cooking in copper is not advisable when it comes to salty and acidic food since they react with the metal but eating in these is useful .

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