Have You Noticed Small White Spots on Your Arms or Legs? Here’s What They Really Are

infection. It’s not a sign of a serious health problem. It’s simply a natural change in the skin that becomes more common as we age.

Why Do These Spots Appear?

The leading theory is that these spots are a form of sun damage that builds up over many years. They are not a sign of cancer or a serious disease.

Here’s what happens:

Pigment cells (melanocytes) get damaged. Years of cumulative sun exposure can damage the cells that produce melanin—the pigment that gives your skin its color. In certain areas, these cells stop working entirely, resulting in a localized loss of skin color.

They appear where the skin gets the most sun. IGH typically appears on the shins, forearms, and sometimes the chest and face—areas that get the most sun exposure over a lifetime.

They become more common with age. IGH affects up to 50-80% of adults over 40. You