Why Do I Get White Spots on My Skin in Summer—and How Can I Treat Them? A Dermatologist Answers

Have you ever noticed small white or lighter patches appearing on your skin when summer arrives? You’re not alone. These spots often become much more noticeable after spending time in the sun, and one of the most common explanations is a condition called tinea versicolor, also known as pityriasis versicolor.

But not every white spot is caused by the same thing. Here’s what dermatologists want you to know.

Why Do White Spots Appear in Summer?

Tinea versicolor is caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast that normally lives on healthy skin. Hot, humid weather, sweating and oily skin can encourage this yeast to multiply.

The condition can produce patches that are lighter—or sometimes darker—than the surrounding skin. They commonly appear on the chest, back, shoulders, neck and upper arms. The affected areas may also have fine scaling or mild itching.

Why Are They More Visible After Sun Exposure?

This is one of the most confusing parts.

The affected areas don’t tan normally, while the surrounding healthy skin becomes darker in the sun. As a result, the contrast makes the lighter patches suddenly stand out.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the sun caused the spots. In many cases, summer simply makes an existing condition easier to see.

Is It a Fungal Infection?

Yes. Although people often call it a “fungal infection,” tinea versicolor is specifically caused by an overgrowth of yeast—a type of fungus that normally lives on the skin.

The good news is that it is not considered contagious and is generally harmless, although the discoloration can be frustrating.

How Can You Treat It?

For mild tinea versicolor, dermatologists may recommend an antifungal treatment applied directly to the skin.

Depending on the location and extent of the spots, options can include:

• Selenium sulfide shampoos or lotions
• Ketoconazole products
• Antifungal creams containing ingredients such as miconazole, clotrimazole or terbinafine

For mild cases, the American Academy of Dermatology notes that certain over-the-counter antifungal creams or ointments may be used once or twice daily for at least two weeks.

If the affected area is extensive, thick, keeps returning or doesn’t respond to topical treatment, a dermatologist may prescribe oral antifungal medication.

Don’t Be Alarmed If the White Spots Don’t Disappear Immediately

This is an important point.

Treatment can eliminate the yeast, but your skin color may take weeks or even months to return to normal. The lingering light patches don’t necessarily mean the treatment failed.

Avoid trying to “tan away” the spots. Tanning can actually make the contrast between the affected and unaffected skin more obvious.

Protect Your Skin From the Sun

Daily sun protection is particularly important while your skin is recovering.

Dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, preferably a non-greasy or non-comedogenic formula if you have oily skin. Avoid tanning beds and try to limit prolonged direct sun exposure.

Keeping the skin cool and dry, wearing loose clothing and avoiding excessively oily skin-care products may also help reduce the conditions that encourage recurrence.

But What If It Isn’t Tinea Versicolor?

This is where seeing a dermatologist matters.

White or light-colored patches can have many causes, including vitiligo, eczema-related changes, psoriasis, previous skin inflammation or injury, and other conditions. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends getting an accurate diagnosis rather than automatically treating every light spot as a fungal infection.

A dermatologist can usually diagnose tinea versicolor by examining the skin. If the diagnosis isn’t clear, they may examine a small skin scraping under a microscope or use a Wood’s lamp.

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

Make an appointment if:

• The spots are spreading or becoming more noticeable.
• You aren’t sure what is causing them.
• They don’t improve after appropriate treatment.
• The patches cover a large area.
• The condition keeps coming back.
• The spots look completely white, have sharply defined borders, or are appearing in new areas.

The Bottom Line

If white spots seem to appear every summer—especially on your chest, back, shoulders or upper arms—and become more noticeable after tanning, tinea versicolor is one possible explanation.

The condition is common and treatable, but the discoloration can take considerably longer to disappear than the underlying yeast infection. And because several different skin conditions can cause light patches, getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment.

If you’re noticing new or persistent white spots, a dermatologist can determine the cause and recommend the safest treatment for your skin.