White Spots on Skin on Toddlers

White spots on a toddler may be the result of Pityriasis alba or Tinea versicolor.

Two conditions, Pityriasis alba and Tinea versicolor, can cause white spots on the skin of toddlers. A physician can treat them topically, though it can take some time to bring the color back to normal.

Identification

Pityriasis alba is the appearance of white, scaly patches that range from 1 to 2 inches in diameter and appear in the neck and arms of children. Tinea versicolor is caused by a fungus that lives on the skin and causes uneven coloration.

Features

Most common in adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 to 30 years old, Tinea versicolor can happen at any age, toddlers included.

Diagnosis

A pediatrician may scrape a small sample of skin to confirm the diagnosis. This procedure is painless and involves taking a specimen from one of the discolored patches.

Treatment

Topical anti-fungal medicine treats Tinea versicolor. A moisturizer is used along with sunscreen to prevent the darkening of spots in treating Pityriasis alba. With the latter, the physician also may prescribe topical steroid cream.

Considerations

Even when both conditions are treated, white patches can remain. It can take at least several weeks before the healthy skin adjusts its color to match surrounding skin.

References

• Babycenter: Tinea Versicolor
• Dr.Greene.org: White Patches of Skin