white stains

my boyfreind is a of preety dark skin and works alot in the sun basically every day he has white stain like spot on his hands im afraid that could be cancer...i hope you tell me other wise like could be jyust stains from the sun ? i worry please let me know thanks doc

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis. It is 2 to 5-mm flat white spots found on the shins and forearms. It can be due to sun damage or ageing (aging). Treatment options include protection from the sun, cryotherapy, dermabrasion or microdermabrasion, tretinoin cream or pinch grafts of normal pigmented skin. I suggest you to get an evaluation done from a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and get pityriasis versicolor ruled out.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.