White spots on the skin can occur with many different conditions, including eczema. Depending on the cause, treatment may include topical products and medications.

White skin spots aren’t usually a cause for concern, and you may be able to treat them at home. Keep reading to learn common causes, how to treat them, and when to talk with a doctor.

You may experience white spots on your skin due to health conditions, diseases, and skin disorders. Causes include:

Other conditions that may cause a white spot on the skin include nevus depigmentosus, a type of birthmark, and piebaldism, which is skin depigmentation that runs in families. Less common causes include:

Certain rare infections can also be a cause, such as Hansen disease or syphilis.

Treating white spots on the skin can depend on their cause.

You may be able to relieve certain skin conditions with home skin care. This may include:

  • moisturizing
  • using mild cleansers
  • wearing sunscreen
  • avoiding excessive sun exposure
  • avoiding products containing harsh chemicals

However, some skin conditions will require contacting a dermatologist. Generally, treatments may include:

Bacterial infections will typically need antibiotics, whereas more serious causes may require other types of treatment. Cancer treatment may involve radiation, chemotherapy, or biologics.

Some causes of white spots, such as milia, don’t require any treatment unless you wish to remove them for aesthetic reasons.

White spots often clear up on their own. However, if they last longer than several weeks or you’re distressed by their appearance, talk with a doctor. They can help determine the cause and advise you on your treatment options.

A doctor often needs little more than a visual assessment of the skin to make a diagnosis. In some cases, they may take a biopsy.

If your spots are painful or cause intense itching that interferes with your daily life, you may want to contact a doctor right away.

Which deficiency causes white spots on the skin?

Vitiligo, which causes white spots, can be associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.

Are white spots on the skin cancerous?

While white skin spots can be related to certain rare types of lymphoma or morpheaform basal cell cancer, they’re rarely a sign of skin cancer.

What STD causes white spots on skin?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause white skin spots.

What autoimmune disease causes white spots on skin?

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition that can cause white skin spots.

Different skin conditions can result in white spots on your skin. Other symptoms you experience may help a doctor identify the cause.

Treatment can depend on the underlying cause of your white spots.