White patches on face is not an uncommon skin problem. In fact, a lot of young kids are suffering from this whitish, fine-scaled, dry patches on their face time after time. The most possible cause of white patches on face is a harmless skin disorder called pityriasis alba. White patches caused by this disorder initially present as fine scales and eventually develop into bigger patches. This dry scaling that ends in white patches becomes most noticeable during winter, in which temperature drops significantly and the air gets really dry. The patches may also be red and itchy. However, hot, humid, and sunny weather is researched to be the main culprit of pityarisis alba breakouts.
Kids between 3 to 16 years old are most susceptible to this condition, although adults might also suffer from this scaly white patch problem. Although this condition is mostly harmless, it does cause cosmetic problem for most people, even young kids. Hence, treatments are preferred, rather than leaving the patches alone to heal. As this skin disorder is mostly suffered by children, natural remedies with no chemicals are advised. These remedies help improve the conditions and reduce resulted itching and scaling.
Best home remedies for white patches on face
The cause of pityriasis alba remains unknown, though it mostly occurs during winter or summer. Despite this, some home remedies are known to effectively reduce the effects of this disorder. These remedies are simple, easy to find and do, and mostly affordable.
1. Avoid hard chemicals!
Although the main cause of pytiriasis alba is not yet defined, some risk factors are believed to become triggers for the condition. Hard chemicals that are contained in laundry detergent and bath soaps may trigger the occurrence of white patches on face. Thus, avoiding these will significantly improve the affected skin condition. It is also important to avoid products with perfumes and alcohol, as these two ingredients may trigger irritation.
2. Improve your diet and eat advantageous fruits and vegetables
Strengthening the immune system is crucial during healing, as this will not only help eliminate current breakout, but also prevent future infestation. Advantageous fruits and vegetables provide adequate nutrients and vitamins your body need to strengthen the immune system to fight against skin disorders and free radicals.
3. Keeping the skin moisturized
Since pityriasis alba mostly spreads during summer and humid weather, it is important to keep your skin moisturized. This will inhibit the formation of white patches and scales on the skin. If you are already suffering from this skin problem, petroleum jelly should be applied on the affected area to minimize flakes and scales, and soften the patches. This will prevent complications and thus, help boost healing process.
4. Choose hypoallergenic bath products
Bathing is beneficial for the skin, if done with products that are less in chemicals and hard substances. If you bath using products that are too harsh for your skin, you will gradually lose your skin natural sebum and hydration, making it more susceptible to skin problems, including pityriasis alba. Thus, choosing natural and hypoallergenic bathing products is important, especially for those with sensitive skin. During pytiriasis alba breakouts in kids, it is advised that their bath products are changed into baby bath products, which are mild and hypoallergenic.
5. Wash you face with natural solution
Apple cider vinegar that is diluted in water is believed as one of the most potent for those with pytiriasis alba. Avoid washing your face with harsh products as it may aggravate the breakout.
6. Applying raw honey to the affected site
Organic raw honey contains potent anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory agents, which help reduce the appearance of white patches on face. To use this remedy, simply apply the honey all over the affected site and leave it for a few minutes. Afterwards, rinse with warm water. Repeat the treatment several times until the white patches appearance subsides.
7. Always apply broad spectrum sunscreen when going out
This is important, since sunscreen helps protecting the skin from bad effects of ultraviolet. Before going out, make sure you are applying enough layer of sunscreen to protect your skin from excessive sun exposure that may trigger white patches formation on face.