Blotchy skin usually occurs in two forms:
- Blotchy skin discoloration
- Blotchy dry skin
Red blotchy skin and brown or white blotchy skin are blotchy skin discolorations that create uneven skin pigmentation, while blotchy dry skin or itchy skin results in an uneven skin texture and tone.
Blotchy skin causes
Dermatologists may diagnose red blotchy skin as rosacea, acne, hormone imbalance, or any number of rashes. If blotchy, itchy skin or dry skin is present, the source of the problem could range from seasonal dry skin to chronic skin conditions, such as keratosis pilaris, dermatitis, or eczema.
When patches of brown or white blotchy skin are present, causes can range from common skin discolorations, such as age spots and freckles, or chronic skin conditions that affect skin pigmentation, such as melasma or vitiligo.
Blotchy skin treatment
The first step in treating blotchy skin is to visit a dermatologist to determine the cause of your blotchy skin, as treatments for red blotchy skin related to rosacea, for instance, are very different from treatments for melasma, eczema, or other conditions that cause blotchy skin.
Blotchy skin products
Retin A - Topical retinoid cream used for acne treatment and hyperpigmentation
Triluma - Contains potent topical lightening agent hydroquinone for treating blotchy skin discolorations, such as melasma and age spots
Kojic acid - Topical lightening agent that may help with hyperpigmentation but is less effective than hydroquinone
Sunscreen - Daily use of an SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen with zinc oxide is recommended for blotchy skin caused by pigmentation problems
Metrogel - Prescription gel or cream product for red blotchy skin caused by rosacea
Doxycycline - Oral antibiotic that may be prescribed for red blotchy skin conditions, such as acne and rosacea
Taclonex - Combination corticosteroid, non-corticosteroid prescription ointment marketed for psoriasis treatment but may be useful in treating other blotchy skin conditions, such as vitiligo
Protopic - Topical, non-corticosteroid treatment that may be prescribed for a variety of blotchy skin conditions
Preventing blotchy skin
Although it is impossible to prevent many chronic skin conditions, avoiding blotchy skin caused by seasonal dry skin may be easily prevented by using skin moisturizers.
Some chronic skin conditions that cause red blotchy skin can be kept at bay by avoiding triggers, which are environmental influences or behaviors that aggravate the condition in some.
For blotchy skin discolorations resulting in hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, avoiding sun exposure and using sun protection are often recommended to prevent worsening pigmentation problems.
Related Links
- Is a red, blotchy skin patch a Rosacea symptom?
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- Could brown patches on face be Melasma?
- Why do my cheeks randomly flush and get blotchy?