Why those white spots on your skin could actually be sun-related

So, whether it’s a beach holiday or simply too much time in the scorching sun, tanning makes those patches stand out even more.

Now, the obvious question is, are they really harmful?

Umm…not really.

“They are a harmless sign of long-term sun exposure, not a disease. It’s more of a cosmetic than medical,” Dr Ridhima Arora, MD, dermatology, Radix Healthcare, tells India Today.

It’s definitely some sun damage, but only at a superficial pigment level. “They don’t increase cancer risk or cause other skin problems,” Dr Arora adds.

So, should you panic? Not really. Should you pay attention? Absolutely.

While not everyone is at risk of developing it, farmers, outdoor workers, or people on a sunny holiday may be slightly more prone to white spots owing to the time they spend under the sun. Age can also be a factor. They are most common after 40, as they result from cumulative sun exposure over decades. Younger people aren’t completely off the radar, but they’re relatively less at risk.