What causes white patches on a child's face?
Sep 13, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
White patches on a child's face may be caused by vitamin deficiencies, excessive cleansing, congenital nevus (achromic nevus), pityriasis versicolor, parasitic infections, or other reasons. To prevent white patches from appearing on a child's face, maintain a balanced diet, use gentle facial cleansers, and closely monitor any changes in congenital conditions such as achromic nevi, following medical advice accordingly.
White patches on a child's face are usually caused by factors such as vitamin deficiency, excessive cleansing, hypopigmented nevus, pityriasis versicolor, or parasitic infection. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Vitamin Deficiency
Children may develop deficiencies in vitamins C, B12, and E due to an unbalanced diet or picky eating habits. These deficiencies can affect blood circulation, potentially leading to pale skin and the appearance of white patches. Dietary adjustments are important—include foods rich in essential vitamins.
2. Excessive Cleansing
Over-rubbing the face during washing can thin the skin's stratum corneum. Over-cleansing removes natural oils and moisture factors, causing dryness and disrupting normal pigment metabolism, which may result in white patches. Use gentle facial cleansers, avoid over-cleansing, and apply moisturizing creams or lotions to maintain skin hydration.
3. Hypopigmented Nevus
This is a congenital skin condition possibly related to genetics. It occurs due to reduced numbers or abnormal function of melanocytes, leading to localized loss of skin pigmentation and resulting in white patches on the face. If necessary, pulsed light therapy under medical supervision may be used, employing specific wavelengths of light to improve skin appearance.
4. Pityriasis Versicolor
Pityriasis versicolor is a fungal skin infection caused by Malassezia yeast. The infection leads to small macules that gradually develop into white patches, sometimes accompanied by mild itching. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include topical agents such as naftifine-ketoconazole cream, miconazole nitrate cream, or oral terbinafine hydrochloride tablets.
5. Parasitic Infection
Parasitic infections are commonly caused by poor dietary habits, frequent contact with animals, or weakened immunity. Such infections can impair nutrient absorption and skin health, leading to white patches on the skin, often accompanied by symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea. Medications such as albendazole tablets, praziquantel tablets, or mebendazole tablets should be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
Maintain a balanced diet, use gentle facial cleansers when washing the skin, practice good personal hygiene, and minimize close contact with animals to reduce the risk of parasitic infections.
