Have you noticed small white spots on your arms or legs… and you don’t know what they are?

Our skin is home to thousands of tiny bacteria that require careful attention: the “skin microbiome.” However, these microscopic bacteria can sometimes cause problems, especially when we sunbathe. If you notice small white or reddish spots after sunbathing, it could be a condition called  tinea versicolor  or  pityriasis versicolor .

According to Dr. Lee, the yeasts living on our skin thrive  in warm, humid environments . This makes it a veritable playground for them in the summer! Some of these yeasts can proliferate and manifest as small spots on the skin.  While asymptomatic and harmless , they can prevent the skin from tanning in certain areas.

Easy to treat, sometimes a simple cream is all it takes. According to the dermatologist, you should look for products containing  clotrimazole or miconazole . In more extreme cases, the expert recommends consulting a dermatologist, who can prescribe more intensive treatments. If you are prone to this condition, don’t hesitate to prepare your skin before next summer  by using antifungal cleansers , the dermatologist advises.

Before taking action on these small white spots, however, it is advisable to consult your doctor, who can rule out other potential skin problems.