How to get rid of white spots on skin caused by sun poisoning

Sometimes sunburn causes dark or light spots on the skin. They can be small individual spots, or stick together to form large spots that look like lack of pigmentation or dark skin. Visiting a dermatologist may be the first and best thing, but if you can’t afford to see a doctor or can’t make an appointment, there are a few ways you can self-treat and prevent sunspots. or sun poisoning.

Table of Contents

Treat spots

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/c/c4/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step- 1-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl” :”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/c4/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-1-Version- 2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,” smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use vitamin E oil. Remember to use oil, not lotion. Apply the oil to your skin in the morning and at night.

Vitamin E oil is easily absorbed into the epidermis of the skin, so it is also effective in treating damage caused by UV rays. ^{[1] X Research Source}
Maintain this therapy every time out in the sun for the first year. This will cure residual spots (under the skin) that you didn’t see before, and also have a protective effect in the future. ^{[2] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d8/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step- 2-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl” :”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d8/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-2-Version- 2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,” smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use a cream containing sulfur or selenium. These ingredients help treat a fungus called tinea versicpor that often causes light-colored spots on the skin. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Tinea versicpor is actually a fungus that acts as a sunscreen on the skin, and prolonged exposure to the sun will make it more visible. But don’t worry – everyone has natural yeast on their skin, so the presence of this fungus is common. ^{[4] X Research Sources}
Selenium is in many anti-dandruff shampoos, and you can usually buy sulfur cream from a dermatologist for a low price. Apply the cream on the skin for about 5-10 minutes, then wash it off.
Tinea versicpor is a skin infection that causes the skin to become discolored, often occurring in people who live in hot, humid climates. This disease is not transmitted from person to person and is not contagious.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/b7/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step- 3-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl” :”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b7/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-3-Version- 2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,” smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Try an antifungal cream. These spots are mostly caused by fungus on the skin, so a simple antifungal cream (such as foot or ringworm cream) will work against the fungus, and will also reduce white spots. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

You can also try adding hydrocortisone cream (1%) to your antifungal cream. This therapy has been shown to be more effective for some people. ^{[6] X Research Sources}
If this doesn’t work, ask your doctor if they can prescribe a stronger cortisone cream or shampoo for you.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/9e/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step- 4.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www. wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9e/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-4.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid- of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546 ,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Apply a tanning product to white spots. These spots appear solely due to a lack of pigment, so using artificial pigments can help these spots blend into the surrounding skin.

Try using a cotton swab to apply tanning cream to the spots for accuracy. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/39/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step- 5.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-5.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www. wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/39/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-5.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid- of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-5.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546 ,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Go see a dermatologist. A therapy called intense pulsed light (IPL), also known as photodynamic therapy, can be used not only to treat white spots but also to treat the entire area of skin damage and to even out the color. skin. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

If you don’t know a dermatologist, contact your primary care physician for a referral.

Treatment of sunburn and sun poisoning

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/9a/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step- 6.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-6.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www. wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9a/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-6.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid- of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-6.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546 ,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Provide enough water for the body. As with any sunburn, it’s important to stay hydrated. Drink water and/or sports drinks to replace lost electrolytes.

Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, drowsiness or dizziness, less urine output than usual, and headaches. Children can be more susceptible to dehydration than adults, so if your child has any of these symptoms, you should let your doctor know.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, and drink more when out in the sun. In addition, you need to pay attention to heat exhaustion.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/0e/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step- 7.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-7.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www. wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0e/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-7.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid- of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-7.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546 ,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Go see a doctor. The white spots that appear after sunburn are sometimes completely harmless dotted hypopigmentation macules and are simply discolorations on the skin, thought to be caused by sun damage. This phenomenon usually occurs in middle-aged and elderly people. Although treatment may not be necessary, there are several treatment options available including: Topical calcineurin inhibitors, microscopic CO2 laser therapy, pheep, and cryotherapy. Your doctor may prescribe topical steroids or other medications that can gradually help improve the spots. ^{[9] X Trusted Source DermNet NZ Go to Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/61/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step- 8.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-8.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www. wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/61/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-8.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid- of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-8.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546 ,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use home remedies. You’ll be surprised to learn that there are many home remedies that can be used to soothe a nasty sunburn. You can use cooked and cooled oats, yogurt and tea bags soaked in cold water on the sunburned skin to soothe the skin. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Coconut oil applied directly to sunburned skin can help soothe and heal sunburn. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Prevent spots

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/00/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step- 9.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-9.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www. wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/00/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-9.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid- of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-9.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546 ,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Avoid the sun! This can also help treat the aftermath of sunspots that may have already occurred. Sun poisoning symptoms usually resolve on their own within 7-10 days, but the best defense is to avoid sun poisoning and actively protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

UV rays are at their highest intensity between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so staying out of the sun during this time is important. ^{[12] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/87/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step- 10.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-10.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www. wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/87/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-10.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid- of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-10.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546 ,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Apply sunscreen daily. Dermatologists recommend a “broad spectrum” sunscreen with SPF 30. Broad spectrum sunscreen helps block both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure to apply the cream at least 30 minutes before going out in the sun. ^{[13] X Research Source}

Sunburn can happen as soon as 15 minutes after you’ve been exposed to the sun, so applying sunscreen before going out in the sun is especially important. ^{[14] X Research Source}
These white spots are not completely fixed, because the pigment comes from within the skin. Your best plan of action is to prevent white spots from spreading, which means protecting your skin before further sun exposure. ^{[15] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/6a/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step- 11.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-11.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www. wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/6a/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-11.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid- of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-11.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546 ,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use protective clothing. Protective clothing includes a hat and sunglasses. The more you cover your skin, the less likely you are to be exposed to the harmful rays of the sun.

You may not know it, but sunlight can be very harmful to your eyes. About 20% of cataract cases can be directly related to UV exposure and damage. Sun exposure can also cause macular degeneration, one of the first and major causes of blindness in the United States. ^{[16] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/87/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step- 12.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-12.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www. wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/87/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-12.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid- of-White-Spots-on-the-Skin-Due-to-Sun-Poisoning-Step-12.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546 ,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Check the medications you are taking. If you are taking medication, you may need to check the package insert that came with the medicine. Some medications are thought to make the skin more sensitive to UVA/UVB rays, and this poses a higher risk of sun poisoning if you don’t protect your skin. ^{[17] X Research Source}

Medications to watch out for include some antidepressants, antibiotics, acne medications, even diuretics. ^{[18] X Research Sources} These are just a few examples, so be sure to check your current medications.
If you no longer have the leaflet that came with your prescription and medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Advice

Taking a multivitamin can also help maintain healthy skin.
White spots on the skin can also be caused by a fungal infection. See a dermatologist if you think this is the case.
Remember to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection, and reapply often when exposed to the sun. If you go outside, use a waterproof sunscreen.
Talk to your pharmacy pharmacist about oils and multivitamins that can help improve skin.
You should see a doctor BEFORE.

Warning

Severe sunburns can cause serious problems for the body. If the sunburn is very severe, you need to seek medical attention.

Things you need

Vitamin E oil -40,000 LU or higher (buy at the pharmacy)
Sulfur cream or anti-dandruff shampoo (containing selenium)
Water and/or sports drinks
Protective clothing (hat, sunglasses)
Sunscreen lotion

Steps