I get these random white spots/patches on my skin mainly my face. It's a really ugly look. First it starts as dry skin and goes flaky, then it just turns into a white patch and stays there for months and slowly fades away.

does anyone know what this problem is?

and

are there any treatments?

and

what are the possible causes?

:confused:

I would go to the doctor and have him to check it out, it is un-likely skin cancer but you will still need to have it looked at because it could be another dermalogical skin problem. I have these white spots on my arms and legs sometimes and it is from being in the sun too long. If you go out in the sun at all use a really GOOD sun protection to protect your skin against the uva/uvb rays and use at least a 45spf.. There is also products that you can buy specifically for the face if you would like to buy that one also. The sun protection cream is good to also protect against skin cancer and other skin problems, even if you only go out in the sun for a few minutes that is all it takes to develop skin problems. This could also be a side effects of medication that you are on or other skin problems! I am a white lady and I get it once in a while but this can happen more in darker skin complections sometimes more so than lighter skin tones.

Use the SPF on your face and it should get rid of this but you can also see your doctor if you are concerned. Eat healthy and try not to be under stress as well because this can be a factor but I do think that it is caused by the sun. You can also buy a good moisturizer with SPF and it will help to moisturize your skin and protect it from the sun, it is also a good anti-aging cream. A tan looks really good but you have to understand that the sun can age your skin and put 10-15 years on the way you look. It depends on your age but I think that everyone over the age of 35 should use a good moisturizer every time that they leave the house, I am younger than 35 but I use a good moisturizer with spf on my face, I use one that is specifically for my age and a lot of actresses and models do as well. The sun causes the most problems in everyone's skin so be sure you do some research on it!

It's probabley tinea versicolor, caused by a fungal infections that's easily curable