When your summer tan starts to fade, you might notice small white dots on your arms or legs.
These tiny white spots can stand out more when the surrounding skin is a little darker. Some people notice that they get more of them as they get older, which can be worrying.
If you’ve seen these spots and wondered what they are or if they’re dangerous, don’t worry — they’re usually harmless.
What Are These White Spots?
These spots are called idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH).
The name sounds scary, but the condition is very common and not harmful.
IGH is made up of small, flat, white spots on the skin. They happen because the skin loses some melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. The spots are usually very small and can appear on any skin tone.
They often show up on areas that get a lot of sun, like the arms, legs, and sometimes the face.
In fact, about 50% to 80% of people over 40 have at least a few of these spots. They are considered a normal part of aging.
Why Do They Appear?
The main cause is long-term sun exposure.
Over time, the sun’s UV rays damage the cells that produce melanin. When these cells stop working or disappear in small areas, those spots lose color and look white.
Simply put:
- Sun damages pigment cells
- Less pigment is made
- The area looks white
The good news is that these spots are not dangerous and are not a sign of serious illness.
Can They Be Removed?
There is no treatment that can permanently remove IGH.
Some treatments you might see online include:
- Retinoid creams
- Chemical peels
- Laser treatments
But these usually do not fully bring back the lost pigment. Results are often temporary or uneven. Because of this, most dermatologists don’t strongly recommend treatment unless it really bothers you.
Could It Be a Fungal Infection?
Some people think these spots are a fungal infection like tinea versicolor and try antifungal creams.
Most of the time, that won’t help because IGH is not caused by fungus.
Here’s how they’re different:
- IGH spots are flat, smooth, and usually on the arms or legs
- Fungal patches often appear on the chest, back, or shoulders and may be itchy or slightly scaly
If your spots are spreading quickly, itching, or changing, it’s best to see a doctor to be sure.
What Can You Do?
You can’t fully cure these spots, but you can manage how they look:
- Use body makeup or self-tanner to even out skin tone
- Wear sunscreen every day to prevent more spots
- Keep your skin moisturized
Most importantly, remember: these white spots are normal, harmless, and very common as people age.
They don’t mean your skin is unhealthy — they are simply signs of sun exposure and getting older.