Why does skin tan in spots?
The appearance of white spots after exposure to sunlight is associated with the following reasons:
1 Skin fungus. A common reason for those who like to sunbathe in a solarium. It is known that solariums are a breeding ground for fungus due to the fact that so many people sunbathe in them. Many people sweat a lot and come into contact with the surface of the tanning bed. As soon as the ultraviolet light goes out, bacteria begin to multiply in the dark, damp space.
One of these fungi can be pityriasis versicolor. It causes white patches on the skin that do not tan. This is a skin condition that occurs when the natural yeast found on the skin gets out of control. This process leads to changes in skin pigmentation. When this happens, the spots on the skin may become lighter or darker. Fungus can be caused by a variety of factors, including hot weather, oily skin, a weakened immune system, hormonal changes and excessive sweating. This condition is more common in teenagers and young adults or in those who visit warm, humid climates.
2 Paragonimiasis. This is a rare condition that results in unusual pigmentation on the skin. These spots may become more obvious and pronounced after sunbathing. This is a long-term condition that usually affects the skin of the genitals. It is common in women who have gone through menopause, but can also affect men and children. Common symptoms of this disease include smooth white patches on the skin that clump together and become dry. In addition, the patient experiences itching, flaky skin, blisters and pain during sex or during water procedures.
Although the cause of paragonimiasis is unknown, hormonal imbalance can cause it, and an overactive immune system can lead to this condition. This disease is not contagious. Symptoms can be managed with the use of steroid creams and ointments. When used correctly, the cream relieves unpleasant symptoms.
White spots on legs don't tan
One of the causes of white spots on the legs is vitiligo disease. Tanning improves pre-existing skin pigmentation conditions. Vitiligo is one such condition. This is a disease in which the skin develops white patches. This occurs when melanocyte cells stop producing melanin, either because they die or simply stop functioning. The causes of this condition are unclear, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disease. It can appear at any age and on any part of the body. Sometimes the white patches will spread all over the body, while other times they will remain the same.
Vitiligo often first appears as a small, pale patch of skin that becomes larger over time.
Vitiligo is generally harmless and not contagious, but its cosmetic appearance can cause emotional and psychological distress in people suffering from it. There are several treatments that can help reduce the appearance of vitiligo, including corticosteroid creams, depigmentation treatments, and phototherapy. Some of these treatments have their own side effects, so it is important to discuss all your options with your doctor.
How to get rid of white spots on skin
Methods for getting rid of white spots depend on the cause of their appearance. If the formations are the result of a violation of the basic rules of tanning, several sessions of sunbathing will be required in compliance with these rules; in other cases, it is necessary to use methods prescribed by a doctor.
Table: methods of dealing with white spots depending on the cause of their appearance
What can you do at home?
Home methods will not help eliminate the cause of the appearance of white spots; only therapy prescribed by a doctor can do this. However, there are ways to make formations less noticeable. But this can only be achieved in one way - making the tan less pronounced. This result can be achieved either by accelerating the process of replacing melanin-filled cells with young ones (exfoliating procedures), or by using products with a brightening effect.
Any home methods can be used only after consulting a doctor and excluding the presence of infectious and viral diseases.
Speeding up tanning
Epidermal cells are constantly renewed; if you stop sunbathing, the chocolate tint of the skin will disappear after 4-5 weeks. However, this process can be accelerated:
- Steam exposure. Visiting baths, saunas, hammams and simply taking a bitter bath or shower stimulate the process of renewal of the epidermis.
- Using scrubs, hard washcloths and body brushes. Once a week, you can treat your body and face with a scrub: this will help exfoliate the upper, tanned particles of the epidermis. You can buy a ready-made product or make it yourself by mixing ground coffee beans, finely ground salt or cane sugar to a paste consistency with water, unrefined vegetable oil or shower gel. For the face, more delicate compositions are needed, for example, oatmeal mixed with cream in equal proportions. Hard washcloths and body brushes have a similar effect to scrubs.
Regular use of the scrub will speed up the process of lightening the tan, which will make the white spots less pronounced.
Lightening the skin
The intensity of the tan can be reduced by wiping the skin 1–2 times a day with compounds that have a lightening effect:
- juice of lemon, parsley, cucumber, raw potatoes;
- vinegar 9%, diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 1;
- products with lactic acid (kefir, natural yogurt, yogurt);
- chamomile infusion (pour 2 tablespoons of raw material with a liter of boiling water, leave for 15–20 minutes, cool, strain).
To enhance the effect, you can use purchased cosmetics for the face and body containing components with brightening and regeneration-accelerating ingredients:
- acids (glycolic, fruit);
- tretinol;
- beta-carotene;
- vitamin B3;
- arbutin
The following products have proven themselves well among consumers:
- Natura Siberica “Black Currant” - night cream with a pleasant aroma and good composition;
- EO LABORATORIE “Brightening cream-serum” - contains plant extracts and oils, provides a good moisturizing and whitening effect, has a sun filter;
- Himalaya Herbals “Whitening Cream” - created on the basis of natural ingredients, including saffron and alfalfa extract, also lightens circles under the eyes;
- Secretkey, Snow White Moisture Cream - in addition to brightening, it gives a moisturizing effect and evens out skin tone;
- Skinolite “Whitening cream” - acts due to exfoliating and brightening effects;
- Holy Land, WHITENING PROTECTIVE MOIST - absorbs quickly, leaves no greasy residue, and has an unobtrusive aroma.
Whitening creams are designed to combat pigmentation, but they are also suitable for lightening the skin. Since most products contain acids, it is not recommended to use them for more than 1-2 weeks in a row. It is best to consult a cosmetologist or dermatologist before choosing a suitable product.
Why do my legs get sunburned in spots in the solarium?
Many people are bothered by white spots after visiting a solarium. Their appearance on the skin after visiting a tanning booth is common.
Research has identified several reasons for the occurrence of such spots on the legs. One of them is fungus.
Solariums are a breeding ground for the spread of viruses and bacteria. It is well known that the fungus can be transmitted from person to person when a person comes into contact with a contaminated surface. In a solarium, mushrooms have everything they need to thrive: sweat, a humid environment. As soon as the ultraviolet lamps go out, the fungus begins to multiply and grow.
Scientists claim that some fungi can live on human skin for a very long time, while disabling the tanning function in the affected area.
If you notice any unpleasant symptoms, be sure to consult a doctor for further diagnosis.
Treatment of skin rashes on the body
Treatment for sun allergies includes the following:
- First of all, you need to move the victim to a room with normal temperature and humidity.
- If redness and swelling occur, apply cold compresses. You can use plain water or medicinal herbs.
- Necessary treatment involves the use of medications that relieve redness and swelling after ultraviolet exposure.
- In order to relieve the symptoms of sunburn, ointments and creams are prescribed. Panthenol, Fenistil or Radevit are mainly used. They quickly eliminate swelling and red spots after ultraviolet exposure.
- In order to eliminate allergic reactions on the skin, antihistamines are prescribed, for example, Cetrin or Suprastin. They help eliminate red spots and pain after sun exposure.
- To restore the skin after ultraviolet radiation, vitamins are prescribed, for example, groups B and E. They maintain the youth and beauty of the skin and accelerate the process of regeneration of affected tissues.
- It is necessary to increase the drinking regime and cleanse the body of toxins. Sorbents are prescribed that remove toxic substances from the body.
Also interesting: Sunstroke in a child, causes, symptoms, first aid
Treatment with folk remedies
There are many folk recipes that help relieve the first symptoms of sunburn and restore skin after ultraviolet exposure.
You can try these traditional methods:
- Cold compresses with chamomile infusion perfectly soothe the skin after ultraviolet exposure. Prepare the decoction according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Allergy to the sun manifests itself in the form of redness and swelling of the skin. You can get rid of it using raw potatoes or cucumbers. We chop the vegetables and make compresses. You can repeat the procedure several times a day until all symptoms of sunburn are completely removed.
- Cabbage juice also quickly soothes the skin after ultraviolet radiation.
- Aloe juice perfectly restores the skin and stops the inflammatory process. You can use fresh juice or prepared tincture to wipe the affected skin.
The white spot on the hand does not tan
The appearance of a white spot on the arm may be associated with a skin condition such as Siwatt's poikiloderma. This chronic skin condition appears after the skin comes into contact with the sun's rays.
This is a condition that does not require special treatment. You just need to additionally protect yourself before going out into the open sun. Wear closed clothing and apply sunscreen to your skin.
In addition, ordinary scars can lead to the appearance of spots. Sometimes white spots are just scars that have become more visible after sunbathing. These areas of skin have lost pigmentation due to tissue damage.
How to remove a white spot on the body that does not tan?
If the cause of the white spots is due to a fungal disease, they are usually treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications, which are often effective in removing the discolored spots. If these medications don't work, you should see a doctor for further testing to confirm that it is indeed a fungus.
Many people clear the infection completely, but their skin may remain discolored for some time (from a week to several months).
In some cases, it is impossible to remove white spots from the skin. In this case, it is important to carefully monitor your health in order to eradicate all problems before the arrival of summer.
If you have problems with sweating, you need to choose the right antiperspirant.
With a condition such as vitiligo, sometimes it is enough to take a course of vitamins to normalize the condition. It is worth limiting the time spent in the sun and stocking up on sunscreen.
How to hide white spots on skin that don't tan?
Fortunately, white spots are often a harmless phenomenon that is simply annoying and disturbing.
If white spots appear after tanning, there are a few things you can do to hide them:
1 Use bronzers. Applying bronze directly to white spots can temporarily mask them.
2 Use self-healing lotion. Applying a faux body cream will help even out your skin tone and hide any skin irregularities, especially useful in covering up white spots.
3 Use artificial tan. For those who want to be tanned without the risk of UV exposure, self-tanning is the best choice. It provides an even tan and can cover up white spots.
Video
- This is a fragment of Elena Malysheva’s program, where she introduces us to different people who are faced with this problem and talks about ways to solve it.
- This video offers very interesting folk recipes.
None of us likes going to doctors. And yet, if spots appear and they grow or change colors, do not delay, go to the doctor. Self-diagnosis in this case is not only unnecessary, but also contraindicated. If you have light stains, then use our tips. Try to fight it using simple home methods; cabbage and cucumbers are good because they won’t do any harm, and if the situation is simple, they will help very well. If it’s not so simple, then you’ll have to get treatment, and that’s not so scary either. The main thing is to know your body, and then read, think and write, please, for our other readers - have you encountered such a thing and how did you deal with it?
Hello! Today we’ll figure out how and why white spots appear after tanning. We all love the sun, summer and dream of looking with a beautiful and even tan. But not everyone knows that sometimes after tanning, unsightly white spots may appear on the skin.