White spots on the face mistaken for sun spots

Sun spots usually contain extra pigment and look tan, brown, or darker than nearby skin. A pale or white facial mark may instead reflect reduced pigment, a healed rash or injury, a fungal skin condition, or another pigmentary disorder. Fine scale, dryness, a sharp border, gradual spread, or a history of inflammation can help a clinician narrow the possibilities. Colour may be harder to judge on photographs or in different lighting.

Do not use a peel, laser, lightening cream, or freezing treatment on an undiagnosed white mark. Photograph it in consistent light, note when it appeared, and record any itch, scale, redness, or recent skin irritation. Use gentle cleansing and sun protection, since tanning around a pale area can make contrast more obvious. A clinician can decide whether examination or testing is needed.

Arrange an assessment if the area is spreading, multiplying, scaly, inflamed, painful, itchy, associated with hair colour change, or appearing after a new medicine or skin product. Seek earlier advice when the change is sudden or involves the eyes, mouth, or extensive skin.

Ask what explains the loss of colour, whether scale or inflammation is present, if treatment is needed, and which products or procedures should be avoided until the diagnosis is clear.