Is your tan uneven, with small white or reddish spots appearing on your skin? During the summer, various skin changes can occur, some of which become more noticeable after sun exposure. One possible cause is pityriasis versicolor, a superficial skin infection associated with the overgrowth of certain yeasts that normally live on the skin.
However, it is important to remember that not all white or red spots have the same cause. If the spots persist, spread, change in appearance, or are accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.
White Spots on the Skin After Sun Exposure: What Could Cause Them?
The skin naturally hosts a variety of microorganisms that make up what is known as the skin microbiome. Among them are yeasts of the Malassezia genus, which can sometimes multiply excessively under certain conditions.
One condition associated with this overgrowth is pityriasis versicolor, also known as tinea versicolor. It can appear as small patches that are lighter, pinkish, or brownish than the surrounding skin. They often occur on the torso, shoulders, neck, or upper arms.
The spots may become more noticeable after sun exposure because the affected areas may tan differently from the surrounding skin. In some cases, there may also be mild scaling, while itching may be absent or only mild.
Heat and humidity can encourage the overgrowth of the yeast, which is why the condition may become more noticeable during the summer months.
However, white spots are not always caused by a fungal infection. Before choosing a treatment, it is important to determine their actual cause.
How Is Pityriasis Versicolor Treated?
Treatment depends on the diagnosis and the extent of the affected areas. When the cause is confirmed to be pityriasis versicolor, a doctor may recommend a topical antifungal treatment, such as a cream, lotion, or medicated shampoo.
Depending on the case and the recommendations of a doctor or pharmacist, antifungal ingredients such as clotrimazole or miconazole may be used.
For more extensive, persistent, or recurrent cases, a dermatologist may consider other treatment options. It is therefore important not to use antifungal medications on your own if the cause of the spots has not been established.
Even when the infection has been treated successfully, the skin may not immediately return to an even color. Changes in pigmentation can persist for some time after the infection has cleared, particularly after sun exposure.
How to Help Prevent Recurrences
In some people, pityriasis versicolor tends to return, especially during hot and humid periods. If the condition is recurrent, a dermatologist may recommend preventive measures, which can include specific cleansing products or antifungal treatments.
It is also important to keep the skin clean and dry and to avoid prolonged exposure to sweat. At the same time, avoid using overly harsh products that could irritate the skin.
Before treating a spot that appears after sun exposure, there is one essential step: distinguishing a possible fungal infection from other skin conditions that can look similar.
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
Not all white or reddish spots on the skin are caused by pityriasis versicolor. Changes in pigmentation can have many different causes and, in some cases, require a dermatological evaluation.
You should consult a doctor if the spots are new and persistent, spread rapidly, change in appearance, or are accompanied by intense itching, pain, inflammation, or other symptoms.
A dermatological examination allows the doctor to assess the appearance of the lesions and, when necessary, perform additional tests to distinguish pityriasis versicolor from other skin conditions.
Protecting Your Skin During the Summer
Regardless of the cause of the spots, it is important to protect your skin from the sun. Use an appropriate sunscreen, apply enough product, and reapply it according to the product’s instructions, especially after swimming or heavy sweating.
If white or reddish spots appear after sun exposure, they should not automatically be dismissed as a simple consequence of tanning. Pityriasis versicolor is one possible cause, but it is only one of several possibilities.
A medical evaluation is the best way to determine the likely cause of the skin changes and identify the most appropriate treatment.
