Most of us have tiny freckle-like white spots on our arms and chest. Ever noticed those and wondered what they are and why do you have those? And more importantly, we ask ourselves if they’re harmful. If you’re afraid of the tiny white freckles you see all over your hands and decolletage, we have some answers that will bring you a sigh of relief. Know more about what these spots are, how they’re caused, and if they are harmful to you. YOGA Skin Is the New GLASS Skin: How to Get This Dewy Glow Naturally!

We think of freckles as dark brownish-red spots and often get alarmed when we see white spots on our skin. They usually stand out after stepping out in the sun and getting a fresh tan. Why does this happen and how does the sun make skin lighter in spots while the rest gets tanned? Mint Leaf Beauty Benefits: From Acne to Ageing, 5 Skin Problems Pudina Can Help You Fight.

What Are These Tiny White Spots?

These white spots are called idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis. The word “hypomelanosis” is like hyperpigmentation. It means scattered pigmentation or melanin in the skin. Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis causes 1 to 10 millimetre flat white spots on the skin when exposed to direct sunlight. These are smooth and don’t pain.

What Causes Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis?

While the rest of the skin gets darker in the sun, in these tiny regions, the harmful sun rays manage to kill the melanocyte cells in the skin. Melanocyte cells are responsible for the production of melanin. These are common among people with lighter skin tones but can happen to anyone. People above the age of 40 are more prone to this.

How Harmful Are They?

These aren’t harmful. However, if the sun rays are harsh enough to kill your melanocyte cells, you need sunscreen! The spots don’t harm you, but the exposure of bare skin to sunlight can cause a lot of problems.  From skin burns to cancer, UV rays are capable of harming humans beyond imagination. So always pack your sunscreen before stepping out.

The only way to get rid of these is through cosmetic surgeries. These are not harmful but if you're unhappy with the way they look,  you can always get them removed. You can also prevent them to a certain extent by using SPF.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 20, 2019 12:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).