Why do white patches appear on the face?
Disease description:
Recently, I noticed white patches appearing on my face. The color is lighter than the surrounding skin, but I don't know the reason. Why do white patches develop on the face? Could it be a skin disease?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Developing white patches on the face may be caused by multiple factors. Individuals with a family history of vitiligo have a higher risk of developing these patches.
Vitiligo is a common depigmentation disorder primarily characterized by localized or generalized loss of skin pigmentation, presenting as white patches. The exact cause of this condition has not yet been fully identified, but it is generally believed to be related to genetic factors, autoimmune responses, and neuroendocrine influences.
Long-term selective eating or picky eating habits that lead to deficiencies in trace elements and vitamins may trigger white patches. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, or frequent contact of facial skin with chemical substances such as cosmetics and hair dyes, may damage skin pigment cells and lead to the formation of white patches.
In terms of treatment, different therapeutic approaches should be adopted according to the severity of the condition, including laser therapy, oral medications, topical treatments, and light therapy. Psychological counseling is also important to help patients develop proper understanding of the condition, cope with it positively, and improve their quality of life.
As the causes of facial white patches are varied, professional examination and diagnosis based on individual conditions are necessary.
