skin discoloration

hello. I am 31, have white spots on my skin. they are scattered here and there on my arms. There is no other symptom. I dont go for tans, I stay out of the sun. What can this be?

[vep412]

i have the same thing on my nose. does it almost look like ur skin peeled? its very odd comment me if you find out

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

White spots on the skin may have tinea versicolor, pityriasis alba and vitiligo as differentials. Pityriasis alba usually occurs in children. The condition presents as white patches on the cheeks .This does not require any intervention and may resolve spontaneously. This may not be your case.

Tinea versicolor may be likely as this is a common condition .This is caused by a fungal infection. Tinea versicolor "changes the skin color. The patches are lightly reddish brown on very pale skin but they don't tan. Because of lack of any tanning, they look like white spots on darker or tanned skin. This is most often seen on the neck, upper chest, upper arms and back. There may be a fine, dry scale on it.".

Source:http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/tinea_versicolor.html

Topical antifungal creams may be applied on the area as prescribed by the physician. It is best to have this assessed by your physician. A fungal infection may be readily differentiated from that of vitiligo which has more sharply demarcated borders .