White Spots On Skin After Tanning

Tanning is incredibly popular among people who prefer a little more color on their skin. People can achieve this in a variety of ways, including the more natural sunbathing at the beach and the more practical sessions at the tanning salon. When tanning, the goal is always to get a perfect, even shade. However, many have emerged from tanning beds and even their beach vacations with white spots on their otherwise perfectly tanned skin.

Depending on the severity, people might not mind having these blotches, especially if they’ve experienced it before and know that it eventually evens out. But white spots on the skin after tanning could be caused by a number of things. Some eventually right themselves with no intervention while others require treatment. Additionally, there are times when the white spots aren’t caused by tanning but, rather, are revealed or made more prominent because of the change in color. It’s crucial to pinpoint the reason for your specific condition to determine whether you need to treat it or leave it alone. Please remember to wear sun protection!

Here are some of the most common reasons why you might have white spots on your skin after tanning:

Post-Inflammatory Hypopigmentation (PIH)

After prolonged exposure to UV rays — whether from the sun or tanning beds — your skin becomes inflamed and, consequently, more prone to a condition called Post-Inflammatory Hypopigmentation (PIH). More specifically, PIH happens when inflammation affects the way melanin is produced in the skin. It is important to note, however, that PIH is rarely directly caused by sun exposure. It is often a result of other skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, or trauma like scars and burns.

While Post-Inflammatory Hypopigmentation isn’t usually caused solely by tanning, the white spots often become much more prominent after trying to get a tan. The good news is, PIH doesn’t require treatment. Your dermatologist might address underlying skin conditions, but the PIH itself should clear up without intervention.

Tinea Versicolor (TV)

Tinea Versicolor (TV) is another condition that isn’t caused by but rather made more prominent by tanning. But unlike PIH, TV is a fungal infection that would require treatment. The fungus involved in this condition affects the process by which melanin is produced in the skin. Consequently, it causes small white spots that appear in groups most commonly along the back, chest, and neck. Often, the spots become scaly and itchy.

The Tinea Versicolor fungus can actually be found on healthy skin. However, factors like weakened immune systems and humid weather can trigger fungal overgrowth, which causes the problems. To treat TV, dermatologists often prescribe an over-the-counter topical anti-fungal medication. The fungus is relatively easy to treat. But, the skin can be blotchy for months even after the fungus has been treated. 

Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen Sclerosus is a fairly rare condition that causes white spots to appear on the body. In most cases, the whitening starts around the genitals or anus. However, it has been observed in other parts of the body as well. Unlike PIH and TV, the white areas caused by Lichen Sclerosus aren’t groups of round spots. Instead, they are irregularly shaped and tend to grow larger over time. Worse, they could cause varying degrees of sensitivity or even pain.

The cause of Lichen Sclerosus is not certain, but it is likely not caused by tanning. Tanning, however, makes it more prominent. Doctors note that this condition is often aggravated by an overactive immune system or hormonal imbalances. Nevertheless, it isn’t contagious and will usually clear up using over-the-counter corticosteroids.

Poikiloderma of Civatte

As odd as it sounds, Poikiloderma of Civatte is actually a fairly common skin condition among people who often subject themselves to UV exposure. That’s why it typically manifests among individuals who like to tan, whether naturally or through indoor tanning salons. After overexposure to sun or tanning beds, people can develop Poikiloderma of Civatte, which causes white patches to appear on the neck, chest, or other parts of the body. In some people, however, the patches may be brown rather than white.

Unfortunately, Poikiloderma of Civatte is a chronic condition, and no treatment has been proven to eliminate it completely. Some dermatologists might recommend topical medication or even skin lightening products to improve its appearance. Additionally, recent advances in IPL technology have shown promising results. Note that further exposure to the sun worsens the condition, so those who suffer from it need ample sun protection. 

Vitiligo

Vitiligo causes white blotches to appear on the skin. Although it can manifest anywhere in the body, it is most commonly observed in the hands, feet, and face. This condition interferes with melanogenesis and causes melanin production in certain parts of the skin to halt completely. Unfortunately, this is a permanent condition. 

Tanning doesn’t cause vitiligo. But after tanning, the difference between the browned skin and the vitiligo-affected parts will be more pronounced. Currently, there are no available treatments for this condition. But, there are ways to improve their appearance. Some use topical skin lighteners or go through depigmenting procedures on the surrounding skin to make the color difference less noticeable. Others turn to tattooing to cover up the affected areas. 

Sometimes, the white spots that appear on the skin after tanning can be more than a cosmetic issue. If you notice some unnatural or unexpected discoloration after a tanning session, it’s always best to consult a dermatologist. If it happens to be a simple issue that doesn’t require any treatment, you can rest easy and maybe rely on over-the-counter skincare products to help even out your skin tone.