HomeAnswersDermatologywhite patchesMy 3-year-old has white spots on both her hands. Why?

What could cause white patches on a 3-year-old's hands?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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iCliniq medical review team

Published At January 22, 2024
Reviewed AtJanuary 22, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My daughter is 3 years and 4 months old. She presents with white spots on both of her hands. We only observed these patches within the past few weeks. We visited a few dermatologists, and they confirmed that it is vitiligo on her palm. Two doctors also mentioned it might be on her lips, while the other two doctors disagreed, stating it wasn't present on her lips. Currently, we are using Tracoz (Tacrolimus) ointment for her palm. The doctor has suggested using Melgain on her lips, but we have not started it yet because we are uncertain whether it is vitiligo or not. Please advise if we can use Melgain on her lips, and if it turns out not to be vitiligo, what might happen if we apply Melgain.

Hi,

I am glad you chose icliniq for your medical-related queries.

I understand your concern.

It appears to be a leucoderma patch. The cause could be autoimmune issues, nutritional deficiencies, atopy, or genetic or hereditary factors. Apply Elocon (Mometasone furoate) or Desonide cream or gel (low-potency steroid) to the hypopigmented patch for 2 weeks. Apply Tacroz (Tacrolimus) 0.01 percent ointment or gel at night for two weeks. Ensure your diet is rich in zinc and vitamins. Maintain proper hydration. Avoid known triggers and contact with pollens, animal dander, wool, and synthetic wear. Use Glymed or glycerin based soap for bathing for two months. Moisturize the skin frequently with Physiogel hypoallergenic lotion for 15 days. Take 0.1 ounces (3 ml) of syrup Zincovit (multivitamin and multimineral supplement) twice daily for seven days. Excimer laser or lamp treatment is another available option.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at icliniq.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

What about the lips? Do we need to start medication? Does it appear to be leucoderma?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It appears to be a zinc deficiency. Another possibility is leucoderma. There is no need to worry. It will fade as age advances. Use the above-mentioned medications. You can also use Melbild (Decapeptide) lotion. Avoid using harsh soaps. Please give answer to the following questions:

  1. Have any family members experienced similar complaints?
  2. Is there a family history of vitiligo?
  3. Since when did it first appear?
  4. Have you recently started using any new cosmetic products?
  5. Is there a history of atopy in the parents?

Looking forward to your response in order to help you.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you again for your time; I greatly appreciate it.

No history of vitiligo or atopy in the family. Three months ago, we applied artificial mehendi to both of her hands. From the following month, we noticed rashes on her body. Upon researching old pictures, we found that this white patch started to appear on her hand for the past two months. Rashes have been present for the past two months, occurring when we bathe her daily, and they typically subside within 10 minutes. When we asked the pediatrician, she said it is normal and would subside. Two weeks ago, we started Tezine (Levocetirizine) syrup for the rashes.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I do understand your concern.

It appears to be atopic rash or possible irritant contact dermatitis or dry skin. Here are my suggestions:

  1. Apply Desonide cream at night for ten days.
  2. Use Physiogel hypoallergenic lotion immediately after a bath for one month.
  3. Use any soap-free baby bathing bar for bathing for one month.
  4. You can apply Lactocalamine lotion three to four times daily for ten days to soothe the lesions.
  5. Syrup Allegra (Fexofenadine hydrochloride) or Atarax (Hydroxyzine hydrochloride), 0.1 ounces (3 ml) twice daily for seven days, can be given as an antiallergic medication.
  6. Avoid exposure to known triggers.
  7. Avoid exposure to dust and pollutants.
  8. Wear loose, comfortable, thin cotton clothes.
  9. Practice good hygiene.
  10. Avoid hot water showers or baths. Use lukewarm water instead.
  11. Gently pat dry with a soft towel after bathing.
  12. Apply Mupirocin cream during the daytime for ten days.
  13. Use Clotrimazole dusting powder (Adzorb) to avoid sweating.

Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav
Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav

Venereology

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