If you’re seeing small white spots on your arms or legs, there are a few common possibilities. Here’s what dermatology specialists usually check first:
1) Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis (IGH)
Small (2–5 mm), smooth, white spots—most common on shins and forearms.
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Very common after age 30
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Linked to long-term sun exposure
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Flat, not itchy, not scaly
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Harmless and cosmetic only
2) Tinea Versicolor
A mild fungal infection caused by Malassezia.
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White, pink, or light-brown patches
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May have fine scale
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Can be slightly itchy
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More noticeable after tanning
3) Vitiligo
An autoimmune condition where pigment cells are lost.
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Sharply defined white patches
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May slowly expand
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Can appear anywhere on the body
4) Post-Inflammatory Hypopigmentation
Light spots that appear after:
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Healing rashes
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Acne
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Insect bites
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Minor skin injuries
When to see a specialist
Consider a dermatology visit if:
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Spots are spreading
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The edges are very sharply defined
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There’s itching, scaling, or redness
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You’re unsure and want confirmation
If you’d like, you can describe:
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Size of the spots
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Are they scaly or smooth?
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How long you’ve had them?
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Any recent sun exposure or skin irritation?
I can help you narrow it down further.