What Causes A White Patch Under The Eye?

Posted on Wed, 20 Dec 2017

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

Wed, 20 Dec 2017 Answered on

Thu, 17 May 2018 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello Doctor,
My son is 2yrs 5m old. He has a fair skin. Around 2 months back he developed small white patch under his right eye. First we thought may be it was because of some allergy, but instead of decreasing it increased and we are getting worried with each passing day.
His paed gave Clotrin-B ointment guessing that it might be fungal. But in vain. We didn't find any improvements. Then we went to another paed and she suggested deworming ang multivitamins. He is on multivitamins since one week after deworming but still no improvements.
Can you please diagnose from the attached image and suggest me some safe treatment for my 2 year old baby?
The top left image is of very light white lines on his right cheek while the rest of the images are of the white patch below his right eye.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Postinflammatory hypopigmentation

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you.
I am Dr kakkar (Dermatologist and Venereologist). I have noted your concern and I have viewed the images.
I can see a hyperpigmented patch on right side with fuzzy margins.
On first look it looks like a patch of postinflammatory hypopigmentation rather than vitiligo. Vitiligo patch is well defined, has convex margns and is depigmented rather than hypopigmented.
I suggest you to use a moderately potent topical steroid e.g fluticasone propionate 0.05 % cream, twice daily for 4 - 6 weeks. It is a prescription product and I suggest you to kindly talk to your local practitioner for a prescription of the same.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (17 minutes later)

it's all too complicated to understand with the tough terms you have used to describe my baby's issue.. what's hypopigmentation and vitiligo? And could you please try easier way to explain how such things occur, if it'll spread and if it's a matter to worry? because i am very much afraid.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding white patch on face. Not worrisome

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Vitiligo patch has NO PIGMENT at all. It is MILKY WHITE in color. On the other hand, a hypopigmented patch, though, lighter than normal skin color is NOT AS WHITE as a vitiligo patch i.e it has a faint color.
A hypopigmented patch on face is a frequent cause of worry for child's parents but it is actually quite a common thing particularly in those children who have a dry skin or it can form in those who have seborrheic dermatitis - a form of dandruff on face. So you should not worry.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (12 minutes later)

since i have severe dandruff and he stays very close to me, can that be one of the reasons?
is the ointment safe to apply near his eyes?
And apart from the ointment u mentioned is there any other natural method that i can try as well?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding Hypopigmented Patch

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

No. Not your dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis can present as subtly dry, red or hypopigmented patches.
Yes fluticasone propionate 0.05 % cream is safe for pediatric use for 4-6weeks. It is a prescription product and you must talk to a dermatologist in your region for a prescription of the same.
You may also expose the area to sun daily for 30 - 45 minutes as sun would also help induce repigmentation.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar