Hypopigmentation

Hypopigmentation means skin that is lighter than the skin around it because it has lost some or all of its pigment (melanin). It can appear as pale or white patches on the face, body or limbs. It is common, it is often harmless, and it has many different causes, from old skin injuries and eczema to fungal patches and vitiligo. Because the causes differ, the right care differs too. Some patches fade on their own, some need a simple treatment, and some need long-term care from a dermatologist. The one rule that applies to every type is to protect the pale skin from the sun, because it has less natural protection. This page explains the common types of white patches on the skin, what causes them and when to see a dermatologist.

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What is hypopigmentation?

Skin gets its colour from melanin, made by cells called melanocytes. In hypopigmentation these cells make less melanin, or are damaged, so patches of skin look lighter. This is the opposite of hyperpigmentation, where skin looks darker. Loss of skin pigment can be partial (a pale patch) or complete (a white patch). It can be small spots or large areas, and it can follow an injury or appear without a clear cause.

What causes white patches on the skin?

Condition What it looks like Usual cause
Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation Pale patches where acne, eczema, a burn or a rash was Skin inflammation or injury
Pityriasis alba Pale, slightly scaly patches on the face, often in children and teens Dry skin and eczema tendency
Tinea versicolor Pale or brown, finely scaly patches on the neck, chest, back and shoulders Yeast overgrowth on the skin
Vitiligo Well-defined, milky white patches, often on face, hands, around the mouth and eyes Autoimmune loss of melanocytes
Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis Small, flat white spots on sun-exposed arms and legs Ageing and sun exposure

Other causes include some medicines, certain skin conditions and inherited conditions. Only a dermatologist can tell which one you have, so avoid guessing.

White pigmentation on the face

White or pale patches on the face are most often pityriasis alba, marks after eczema or acne, or vitiligo. Pityriasis alba is common in children and teens and usually fades. Vitiligo patches are sharply defined and tend to be a clearer, chalk white. If a white patch appears on the face, spreads or does not fade, see a dermatologist, because earlier care helps.

When should you see a dermatologist?

See one if:

  • A white patch is new, spreading or has been present for more than a few weeks
  • Patches are milky white with sharp edges, or hair in the patch has turned white
  • The patch is itchy, scaly or numb
  • It affects the face, hands, genitals or large areas
  • It appeared after a burn, injury or new medicine
  • It is affecting your confidence or mental health

How can you care for skin with hypopigmentation?

  1. Get the cause diagnosed before using any cream.
  2. Protect pale patches from the sun, because they have less melanin and burn more easily. Use sunscreen daily and cover up. See our sun protection guide.
  3. Moisturise gently, especially if the skin is dry or scaly.
  4. Avoid steroid creams, bleach and home remedies unless your doctor advises them.
  5. Do not pick or scrub, which can cause more patches.
  6. Be patient. Colour can take months to return, and for some conditions it does not return fully.

Hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation: which do you have?

If your skin has darker patches, spots or marks, that is hyperpigmentation. Read our pigmentation guide and dark spots guide. If you have white or pale patches, this page is the one for you.

Problem and solution: where The Compound Way fits in

The Compound Way does not make a treatment for hypopigmentation or vitiligo, and we do not claim to. Sun protection is the one product step that applies to everyone with pale patches.

If this is your problem What helps How The Compound Way fits in
Pale patches that burn or tan unevenly in the sun Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, reapplied Pigment Defender Sunscreen: SPF 50+, PPD 33, PA++++, no white cast. Ask your doctor about sun care for patches
Pale patches after acne Treat acne gently, protect from sun See our acne page
Skin that is dry, scaly or reactive Barrier care and few products Read our sensitive skin guide
White patches that are new, spreading or milky white Medical diagnosis Please see a dermatologist

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hypopigmentation?
It is a loss of skin colour that makes patches of skin lighter than the skin around them. It happens when skin makes less melanin or loses its pigment cells, and it has many causes.
What causes white spots or patches on the skin?
Common causes include marks after acne, eczema or burns, pityriasis alba, a fungal infection called tinea versicolor, vitiligo and age-related white spots. A dermatologist can tell them apart.
Is hypopigmentation the same as vitiligo?
No. Vitiligo is one cause of hypopigmentation, where pigment cells are lost completely, usually in sharply defined milky white patches. Many other causes of pale patches are not vitiligo.
What causes white pigmentation on the face?
Most often pityriasis alba, marks left after eczema or acne, or vitiligo. See a dermatologist if a patch spreads, is sharply defined or does not fade.
Can hypopigmentation go away on its own?
Some types, such as patches after acne or pityriasis alba, often fade over months. Others, such as vitiligo, do not usually go away without treatment.
Is hypopigmentation contagious?
No. White patches from vitiligo and post-inflammatory marks are not contagious. A fungal patch such as tinea versicolor is a skin infection but it is not usually passed on through casual contact.
Can acne cause white patches?
Yes, in some people, acne leaves pale marks instead of dark ones, especially after inflammation. Treat acne gently and avoid picking. See our acne page.
Do pale patches need sunscreen?
Yes. They have less melanin, so they burn and get damaged more easily. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, and ask your doctor about sun care for patches. See our sun protection guide.
Can I cover or treat white patches with home remedies?
There is no proven home remedy, and lemon, bleach or strong creams can irritate the skin and make patches worse. Get a diagnosis first.
What is the difference between hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation?
Hypopigmentation is skin that is lighter than normal, and hyperpigmentation is skin that is darker. For darker patches, see our pigmentation guide.
Can stress or diet cause loss of skin pigment?
Stress and some nutrient gaps are linked to certain skin conditions, but they are rarely the only cause. Ask your doctor if you think a deficiency may play a part.
When should I see a dermatologist for white patches?
See one if patches are new, spreading, milky white, itchy or scaly, on the face or hands, or if they have lasted more than a few weeks.