i have several medium-sized patches of white dry skin on my arms. they do not itch, burn, etc. in the summer my body tans except for these patches. what is going on? should i see a dermatologist?
2007-01-01 13:57:58 · 9 answers · asked by cfstar16 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Skin Conditions
i don't think it is serious, but i guess it makes me feel a little self-concious. people always ask what's wrong with my arms.
2007-01-01 13:59:34 · update #1
Vitiligo (vit-ill-EYE-go) is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) in the skin, the mucous membranes (tissues that line the inside of the mouth and nose and genital and rectal areas), and the retina (inner layer of the eyeball) are destroyed. As a result, white patches of skin appear on different parts of the body. The hair that grows in areas affected by vitiligo usually turns white.
The cause of vitiligo is not known, but doctors and researchers have several different theories. One theory is that people develop antibodies that destroy the melanocytes in their own bodies. Another theory is that melanocytes destroy themselves. Finally, some people have reported that a single event such as sunburn or emotional distress triggered vitiligo; however, these events have not been scientifically proven to cause vitiligo.
2007-01-01 14:01:08 · answer #1 · answered by a heart so big 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most skin diseases are not contagious but I would treat this person as if they had a cold. If you come in contact wash the affected area immediately with soap and water and keep a hand sanitizer with you. If you are prepared you will not have to back off from this person.
2016-03-29 03:53:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughter has what sounds like the same condition. It is almos like a slight loss of pigmintation in a couple of patches on her arms and one on her face. No bumps or anything else.
You should see a dermatologist. If it is the same thing, they can give you some cream to help.
2007-01-01 14:02:09 · answer #3 · answered by swanser 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its just the pigment on your skin that makes certain parts of the skin look white. Fairly common and nothing to worry about. See a dermatologist if you don't like the way it looks.
2007-01-01 14:00:57 · answer #4 · answered by Steph 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes see your dermatologist right away. It sounds like vitaligo. There are several treatment options available if you catch it from spreading
2007-01-01 14:07:35 · answer #5 · answered by Chris T 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get some babyoil or olive oil and rub on these patches, they may go away, sounds like just skin needs toning out,
2007-01-01 14:00:48 · answer #6 · answered by sunflare63 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it might be a slight fungal infection. i used to have em and they didnt tan at that area either but mines are gone now. the only thing is mines used to itch x]
2007-01-01 14:00:07 · answer #7 · answered by Love. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have this problem too please, what is really going on? This just started this last summer.
2007-01-01 20:56:59 · answer #8 · answered by Beatrice Kiddo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go 2 doc!!
2007-01-01 14:01:05 · answer #9 · answered by volleyballMVP 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋