Do White Patches That Are Developing On The Face Of A Young Adult Male Require Medical Attention?

Posted on Sat, 28 Apr 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 28 Apr 2018 Answered on

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : My son is 22 months old. He has started developing white patches in his face. White patches are not clearly visible and are visible if you watch closely. does it need a treatment?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I would prefer to wait and watch

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for asking on this platform

I have gone through the query and do understand your concern.
I won't get worried for faint white patch if there is no itching, rapid progression or other associated problem.
Most likely it is a skin condition called pityriasis XXXXXXX and usually improves over a period of time without any treatment.
Application of emollient helps in preventing dryness of skin. It may take few months for the lesion to improve.
So in your case I would like to just wait and watch. If it progresses rapidly or associated with redness, itching then medication like mild steroid may be needed.
I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy