Does Skin Turn White?
Yes, skin can turn white under various circumstances. This isn't a single condition, but rather a symptom that can indicate several different medical issues.
Several conditions can cause skin to lose its pigment and appear white:
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Vitiligo: This autoimmune disorder attacks melanocytes (pigment-producing cells), leading to milky-white patches. As stated by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS): "Vitiligo is a disorder that causes patches of skin to become white, because the cells that make color are destroyed." https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/vitiligo Cleveland Clinic further explains that vitiligo causes "your skin to lose its color or pigment." https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12419-vitiligo
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Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Inflammation can sometimes cause a localized lightening of skin pigment, resulting in lighter patches. The Mayo Clinic notes this as a possibility for a white patch on the skin. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dermatitis-eczema/expert-answers/white-patch-on-skin/faq-20058027
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Athlete's Foot: In some cases, this fungal infection can cause the skin to whiten and thicken. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279549/
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Raynaud's Phenomenon: This condition restricts blood flow to extremities, causing the skin to turn white or lighter in color. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/raynauds/
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Severe Burns: Severe burns can change the skin's color to a waxy white, indicating significant tissue damage. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/skin-burns-beyond-the-basics/print
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Treatment of Warts: Some wart treatments can cause the wart to turn white as the tissue dies. https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/warts/
Importance of Medical Diagnosis
It's crucial to consult a doctor if you notice unexplained white patches or discoloration on your skin. The cause needs proper medical diagnosis to ensure appropriate treatment.
