White patches on face.

[tcordes]

My 7 year old dauther is very tan.  I only apply sun screen when she is out for a long time (swimming, at a park, etc).  She is in and out of the house alot durning the day, so it is impossible to keep sunscreen on her all the time.  She has had a white patch on her forehead for several years, but I have noticed that she has about 5 spots on her this year.  She doesn't get sunburnt.  What can I do?  Is it form the sun?  Should I try to put sunscreen on her more often even though she is not getting burnt?  Do I need to take her to our family doctor about these spots?

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

Tea tree oil has been known for antibacterial properties and I am not sure of their effectivity in trying to restore pigmentation. No I haven't heard of tea tree oil being used for pigmented skin conditions. However, this has been noted for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. In terms of effectivity though, I may not be able to provide much information. As for dandruff shampoo, if this is fungal in nature then this may respond. Medicated shampoos are used for seborrheic dermatitis which also has a fungal component. Just watch out for any redness or itchiness as your child's skin may be sensitive to this.

[tcordes]

Thanks for you information.   These spots are no Itchy and they are not bumps just white spots on the skin.  Have you ever heard of putting dandurff shampoo on these spots or tree tea oil?

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

White spots of skin over the face in children may be due to tinea versicolor which is a fungal infection or pityriasis alba which is a benign skin condition. As part of the differential, vitiligo should also be considered.

I suggest that you continue with the sunscreen as this in many ways offer skin protection. Bring your child to a dermatologist to have this white patches assessed. I do not think these white patches are caused by the sun.

Are these itchy?

Do these bumps scale?