Question: You addressed dark splotches in a previous post, but not white spots. I have heard that they are caused by a loss of pigmentation of the skin. I live in Florida – and I’m in the sun a lot – but no matter how much sunscreen, I seem to be getting more spots. Can you help?

Dr. Beer’s Answer:

White spots can be caused by lack of pigment (vitiligo), fungus, or other diseases such as lupus. It is important to discover the reason the pigment has disappeared so that the treatment is correct and also so that other associated problems may be detected.
If you are getting little blotches of white spots on your legs, it is likely that you got a lot of sun when you were younger and the pigment is simply dropping out. There is not a lot you can do for this. Whatever the cause, please use SPF 50 products to protect the skin.