How to Remove White Spots on Skin Due to Sun Poisoning

Sunburn can sometimes cause dark or light patches on the skin. These can appear as small isolated spots or merge to form larger areas that look like a loss of pigmentation or darker skin. Visiting a dermatologist may be the first and best step, but if a visit is not possible or you can't get an appointment yet, there are several ways you can treat and prevent these sun spots or sun poisoning on your own.

Use Vitamin E oil. Remember to use oil, not lotion (body moisturizer). Apply the oil to your skin in the morning and evening.

• Vitamin E oil is highly absorbent and penetrates the epidermis, making it effective in treating damage caused by UV rays.
• Continue this treatment whenever you go out in the sun during the first year. It will heal the deeper spots that were previously invisible, while also providing future protection.

Use a cream containing sulfur or selenium. These ingredients help treat a fungus called tinea versicolor, which often causes light patches on the skin.

• Tinea versicolor is a type of fungus that acts like a natural sunscreen on the skin, and prolonged sun exposure can make it more visible. But don't worry—everyone naturally has yeast on their skin, so this fungus is very common.
• Selenium is found in many dandruff shampoos, and you can usually buy sulfur cream from your dermatologist at a low cost. Apply the cream to your skin for 5-10 minutes, then wash it off.
• Tinea versicolor is a skin infection that causes discoloration and is more common in hot, humid climates. This condition is not contagious and does not spread from person to person.

Try using an antifungal cream. Most of these spots are caused by a fungal infection on the skin, so a simple antifungal cream (like those for athlete's foot or jock itch) can treat the fungus, which will also help reduce the white spots.

• You can also try adding hydrocortisone cream (1%) to the antifungal cream. This treatment has been shown to be more effective for some people.
• If this method doesn't work, ask your doctor if they can prescribe a stronger cortisone cream or shampoo for you.

Apply a tanning product to the white spots. These spots are simply due to a lack of pigmentation, so using artificial pigment can help blend the spots with the surrounding skin.

• Try using a cotton swab to apply tanning cream directly to the spots for more precision.

Visit a dermatologist. A treatment called intense pulsed light (IPL), also known as photodynamic therapy, can be used not only to treat white spots but also to address the overall damaged area and even out skin tone.

• If you're not sure which dermatologist to see, contact your primary care physician for a referral.

Keep your body hydrated. Like with any other case of sunburn, staying hydrated is crucial. Drink water and/or sports drinks to replace the electrolytes lost.

• Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, reduced urine output, and headaches. Children are at a higher risk of dehydration, so if your child shows any of these symptoms, it's important to consult a doctor.
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, and increase intake when you're out in the sun. Additionally, be aware of heat exhaustion symptoms.

Consult a doctor. White spots that appear after sunburn may sometimes be a harmless condition called hypopigmented macules caused by sun damage. This often affects middle-aged and older adults. While treatment may not be necessary, there are options such as topical calcineurin inhibitors, CO2 fractional laser therapy, phenol, and cryotherapy. A doctor may prescribe a topical steroid or other medications to gradually improve the spots.

Try home remedies. You'd be surprised by how many household items can help soothe a sunburn. You can apply cooled cooked oatmeal, yogurt, or cold tea bags to the affected skin to calm it down.

• Applying coconut oil directly to sunburned skin can help alleviate discomfort and promote healing.

Avoid the sun! This is also an important step in managing the consequences of any sunspots that may have developed. Sun poisoning symptoms generally resolve within 7-10 days, but the best preventative measure is to avoid sun poisoning in the first place and actively protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

• UV rays are strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM, so avoiding sun exposure during these hours is crucial.

Apply sunscreen daily. Dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure to apply it at least 30 minutes before sun exposure.

• Sunburn can occur within just 15 minutes of exposure to sunlight, which is why applying sunscreen before going outdoors is extremely important.
• These white spots may not be completely permanent, as pigmentation originates from within the skin. The best course of action is to prevent the spots from spreading, meaning you should protect your skin before further sun exposure.

Wear protective clothing. Protective clothing includes hats and sunglasses. The more skin you cover, the less you are exposed to harmful sunlight.

• While you might not know, sunlight can be harmful to your eyes. About 20% of cataract cases are directly linked to UV exposure and damage. Sunlight can also cause macular degeneration, which is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States.

Check the medications you're taking. If you're on any medications, you should check the information leaflet included with the medication. Some drugs are known to make your skin more sensitive to UVA/UVB rays, increasing the risk of sun poisoning if you don't protect your skin.

• Drugs to be aware of include certain antidepressants, antibiotics, acne medications, and even diuretics. These are just a few examples, so make sure to check the medications you're using.
• If you've lost the leaflet that came with your prescription, consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

• Taking multivitamins may help maintain healthy skin.
• White spots on your skin may also be caused by fungal infections. If you suspect this, visit a dermatologist.
• Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB, and reapply it frequently when exposed to sunlight. If you're going outdoors, use a waterproof sunscreen.
• Consult with a pharmacist about oils and multivitamins that might improve your skin's condition.
• It's important to consult a doctor FIRST.

• Severe sunburns can cause significant harm to the body. If the sunburn is extremely serious, you should seek medical attention.

• Vitamin E oil - 40,000 IU or higher concentration (available at pharmacies)
• Sulfur cream or dandruff shampoo (containing selenium)
• Water and/or sports drinks
• Protective clothing (hat, sunglasses)
• Sunblock lotion