Why is my skin suddenly turning white?

Author: Ettie Wiegand I  |  Last update: Friday, August 1, 2025

Vitiligo occurs when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) die or stop producing melanin — the pigment that gives your skin, hair and eyes color. The involved patches of skin become lighter or white. It's unclear exactly what causes these pigment cells to fail or die.

Why is my skin so white all of a sudden?

Paleness may be the result of decreased blood supply to the skin. It can also be due to decreased number of red blood cells (anemia). Paleness of the skin is not the same as loss of pigment from the skin. Paleness is related to blood flow in the skin rather than deposit of melanin in the skin.

What would cause skin to turn white?

Vitiligo is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigment or color. This happens when melanocytes – skin cells that make pigment – are attacked and destroyed, causing the skin to turn a milky-white color.

What is the main reason for skin whitening?

Other motivations for skin whitening include desiring softer skin and wanting to conceal discolorations arising from pimples, rashes, or chronic skin conditions. Individuals with depigmenting conditions such as vitiligo have also been known to lighten their skin to achieve an even skin tone.

What deficiency causes white skin?

Deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D and vitamin E can cause white patches on the skin. While harmless, these white spots indicate that you need to eat a healthy, balanced diet.

What causes white spots on skin which require investigations for confirmation? - Dr. Nischal K

Does iron deficiency cause white skin?

Iron deficiency anemia signs and symptoms may include: Extreme fatigue. Weakness. Pale skin.

What age does vitiligo start?

The average age of onset of vitiligo is in the mid-twenties, but it can appear at any age. The size and number of patches varies from person to person. The condition tends to progress over time, with larger areas of the skin losing pigment.

Why did my skin get whiter?

If your body makes too little melanin, your skin gets lighter. Vitiligo is a condition that causes patches of light skin. Albinism is a genetic condition affecting a person's skin. A person with albinism may have no color, lighter than normal skin color, or patchy missing skin color.

Which hormone is responsible for skin whitening?

In many tissues, the effects of estrogen are counterbalanced by progesterone. Consistent with this, when melanocytes were exposed to progesterone, melanin production decreased, causing skin to lighten .

What caused white skin?

The main factor initiating the development of light skin was seen as a consequence of genetic mutation without an evolutionary selective pressure. The subsequent spread of light skin was thought to be caused by assortive mating and sexual selection contributed to an even lighter pigmentation in females.

Why did my dead skin turn white?

One may also notice maceration after wearing non-breathable plastic or latex rubber gloves, which trap moisture against the skin. Wrinkles are the first sign that the skin is over-hydrated. In addition, macerated skin becomes extremely soft and takes on a whitish appearance.

When should I worry about skin discoloration?

Call your health care provider for an appointment if you have: Skin discoloration that causes significant concern. Persistent, unexplained darkening or lightening of the skin. Any skin sore or lesion that changes shape, size, or color may be a sign of skin cancer.

What can be mistaken for vitiligo?

Here's a look at seven other skin conditions that are sometimes mistaken for vitiligo and how they differ from it.
  • Albinism. Masego Morulane/Getty Images; Canva. ...
  • Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) Adobe Stock. ...
  • Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis (IGH) iStock. ...
  • Melasma. Duangjan J/Shutterstock. ...
  • Pityriasis Alba. ...
  • Scleroderma. ...
  • Tinea Versicolor.

What diseases turn your skin white?

Vitiligo occurs when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) die or stop producing melanin — the pigment that gives your skin, hair and eyes color. The involved patches of skin become lighter or white. It's unclear exactly what causes these pigment cells to fail or die.

Can dehydration cause pale skin?

Paleness can also be caused by environmental and dietary factors, such as cold temperatures, frostbite, dehydration, scurvy, or lack of sun exposure. Various diseases, including anemia, and certain medications or illicit drugs can also cause ongoing paleness.

What to do if your skin turns white?

Treatment options for vitiligo include:
  1. low-dose corticosteroid creams, like 1-percent hydrocortisone cream.
  2. Elidel cream, a nonsteroidal formula.
  3. ultraviolet light treatment in combination with topical medications.
  4. bleaching the skin surrounding large white patches to blend them.
  5. tattooing over white patches.

Does estrogen make your skin whiter?

The estrogen darkens skin. Progesterone lightens it. The process works just as well on cells from men's skin as women's skin. “This is going to be a big deal in dermatology,” said Thomas Leung, another dermatologist at Penn.

Which vitamin helps in skin whitening?

Vitamin C aids in the whitening process by priming the skin cells and making them more susceptible to the effects of Glutathione. ✔ Citrus Bioflavonoids are powerful antioxidants that reverse damage, resulting in visible signs of healthy, more vibrant skin.

What is the meaning of skin whitening?

Skin-whitening cosmetics is one category of advanced cosmetics and it decreases pigmentation (generally known as blotch, freckle) of the skin caused by the solar ultraviolet (UV, wavelength in the range of 400to 10nm) rays.

Does your skin get whiter as you age?

The number of pigment-containing cells (melanocytes) decreases. The remaining melanocytes increase in size. Aging skin looks thinner, paler, and clear (translucent). Pigmented spots including age spots or "liver spots" may appear in sun-exposed areas.

What triggers vitiligo to spread?

Vitiligo may flare or spread due to: Stress. Sunburn, cuts, or other skin damage. Chemical exposure.

What cancers cause gray skin?

Pigmented basal cell cancers have dark areas, often brown, blue or grey in colour.

What are 3 symptoms of vitiligo?

Signs and symptoms of vitiligo include:
  • Patches of skin or mucous membranes that lose color. These can appear white or lighter than your natural skin tone.
  • Patches of hair on your body turn silver, gray or white.

Which foods increase melanin in skin?

Eating Antioxidant-Rich Foods
  • Leafy greens (kale, spinach, or collard greens)
  • Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, and other nuts)
  • Whole grains.
  • Dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
  • Beans (red beans, pinto beans, black beans, and other legumes)
  • Berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)

How to reverse vitiligo naturally?

A 2018 review suggests various natural remedies, including ginkgo biloba, green tea, and aloe vera, may improve vitiligo symptoms. However, more research is necessary to determine their safety and effectiveness. People should speak with a doctor before trying natural remedies to ensure they are safe.

Previous article
How can I make my professional hair color last longer?
Next article
Where is the least saggy place to get a tattoo?