Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Tanning Spots

I posted a question last week about white spots possibly from tanning in a tanning bed but some of my questions were not answered.  I will try again.  After tanning for about a month, I noticed small round white spots on my stomach, back, parts of my upper arms and inner thighs and on my rear end.  I was told it might be either (a) a skin fungus or (b) that is just the way my skin develops after tanning and possibly a lack of skin pigment.
I tried Selsun Blue, I researched it and that is what everyone is saying to use.  I have tanned in the past either by tanning bed or by laying out in the direct sun light and have never experienced such "Spots".  But, I have been tanning in a tanning bed more often than in the past.  About three times a week for 20 minutes with tanning excelerator with nutmeg as in ingredient.

1. Can I still tan in a tanning bed; will it make the spots worse  and spread and more noticible?
2. Will Selsun Blue really make my skin turn back to normal.
3. What else can I try?

I am a somewhat dark complected white female.  Please help! Shelley

53 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I don't think those spots have anything to do with a tanning bed.  I get them too and I have always said they "come" from the sun.   Your describing exactly what I have which sounds more like a fungus irritated by the sun.  I will know for sure in just a few days when I actually go to the doctor.  I will keep you posted.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal

I have the white spots all over my back & they have spread since April when they began. A friend told me it could be a reaction to birth control. Some forms leave the skin unevenly colored when tanning. I have also had problems with a "tan mustache", so I believe she could be right. Anyone else with the same problems or comments to this? Thanks, Renee
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
I believe that the parts you are refering to being white are the pressure points that you are laying on in the tanning bed.  They won't tan unless you turn over in the bed.   Right now I am fighting the fungus problem of the tanning beds and I know that's not what you have.  100%.  I have been going for over 10 years never had any problems.  One day I started breaking out on my face and now a year later, tons of doctors visits and months of not leaving my house I have found out it is the tanning salon and no one at the tanning salon bothered to tell me til yesterday.  I was told the shampoo too.
Helpful - 1
242489 tn?1210497213
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Shelley:

Tanning will probably highlight the spots, because the skin around them will get darker.  I don't know if Selsun will help, because I'm not sure it's a fungus.  Even if it is, and you kill all the fungus, the color may take months to return, so you won't be able to tell till then whether it worked or not.  No, there isn't anything else I can think of you can try.  Perhaps you should see a doctor for more definitive diagnosis.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
I never had these white spots on my body till this yr, I dont go tanning im brown (Mexican). I started having it on my face,my fingers,under Arm, and my private parts that look brown now there white lol. I started taking pills called Iron,and dont work now I am about to take Noni tables so will see if it works wish me luck. Ill keep post if it works
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The medical term for it is tenia versaicolor. I have had mine for as long as I can remember. I never used the tanning bed when they first started coming up. But my mom got hers from the tanning bed. It is a fungus that grows on your skin and that's why you can not tan in certain spots of your. A dermatologist can prescribe you something that will get rid of them. But after so long they will end up coming back a little at a time. I have heard the tanning bed can help get rid of them but I'm not sure on that. Lol that's actually how I came across this I was trying to figure that out lol.
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Dermatology Forum

Popular Resources
Learn to identify and prevent bites from summer’s most common pests.
Doctors argue for legislation to curb this dangerous teen trend in the latest Missouri Medicine report.
10 ways to keep your skin healthy all winter long
How to get rid of lumpy fat on your arms, hips, thighs and bottom
Diet “do’s” and “don’ts” for healthy, radiant skin.
Images of rashes caused by common skin conditions