There are a number of possible causes of white spots on the skin, but this is most probably a minor skin problem that can be successfully treated with some simple home remedies. The first thing you should do is rule out any kind of fungal infection. Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection that causes white spots on the skin. Over the next few days, wash your face frequently, and make sure that it is dry at all other times. Avoid using soap too often however, unless you are using a very mild soap or a fatty, moisturizing soap, as almost all soaps will dry out your skin. You can also try swabbing the skin with a solution of apple cider vinegar and water at least twice a day. Vinegar is acidic in nature and impedes the growth of fungus and bacteria. These measures should get rid of the spots within a few days, if they are being caused by a fungal infection. If they do not disappear and do not even start to fade, they may simply be whiteheads.
Whiteheads are basically clogged pores in which sebum has accumulated. Normally, the pores release sebum from the sebaceous glands on to the surface of the skin. Sometimes however, a pore may get clogged by dead skin cells that have accumulated on the skin's surface, and as a result, sebum will accumulate in the pore. For this problem too, regular washing is important, but in addition, you need to exfoliate your skin regularly so as to prevent dead cells from accumulating on the surface. You can use a commercial scrub if you like, or you can use a home made scrub which is usually better. A good home remedy for exfoliation is to mix a tablespoon of honey with a little turmeric powder, sandalwood powder, and rice flour, and gently massage your skin with this mixture for a couple of minutes. Once you are done, you can wash your face with plain water, and then splash a little cold rose water on your skin. This needs to be done once a day so as to prevent the whiteheads from appearing again.
If this does not work even after daily treatment for a week, it is advisable that you ask your doctor about these white spots. Fordyce's spots and vitiligo are two conditions that can cause white spots on the skin (although the spots are very different in appearance and effects), and these cannot be treated by using any home remedies or over the counter medications.
answered by G M