what are these white spots all over my face?

These started to appear about a year ago and now they are numerous mostly on cheek areas! I have tried many different kinds of make up and cannot find anything to cover them up-please help. I have no allergies and i am a type 1 diabetic (have had  dm since age 15) Only medications i am on are;Humalog insulin,Lantus insulin, Synthroid and Celexa.Any information is greatly appreciated.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is difficult to make a diagnosis without examination, but some possibilities are there. First,it can be pityriasis versicolor . It is a common skin infection caused by the yeast Malassezia furfur. This skin disease commonly affects adolescents and young adults, especially in warm and humid climates

Second, it can be pityrisis alba. This is characterized by hypopigmented, round to oval, scaling patches on the face, upper arms, neck, or shoulders.

Thirdly, it can be vitiligo. It is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) in the skin are destroyed. As a result, white patches appear on the skin in different parts of the body.

Treatment is different for all three. So I feel that an evaluation by a dermatologist will help in confirming a diagnosis.