Why are these white spots showing up on my skin?

It’s a question I hear often in the clinic.

And while it may sound simple, it carries a lot of pain.

Many people with white patches on their skin (known as hypopigmentation) feel ashamed, uncomfortable…

And there’s one feeling most won’t admit out loud: sadness.

Because these spots—though they may seem small or “harmless” to others—

are visible reminders of something that left a mark, both outside and within.

Let’s start with the basics: what is hypopigmentation?

First of all, hypopigmentation happens when the skin loses or reduces the production of melanin—the pigment responsible for your skin’s natural color.

And that can happen for many reasons:

• Physical trauma (cuts, surgery, deep scratches)

• Emotional trauma

• Excess sun exposure without protection

• Burns or chemical reactions

• Genetics

Each of these causes has its own world of nuances—and over the next few blogs, I’ll break them down for you.

But today, I want to talk about physical and emotional trauma.

Because they’re more common than you think—and no one is really talking about them the way they should.

Sometimes, it starts small… and grows quietly.

One of my clients recently told me her spots started after a simple leg surgery.

Others say they showed up after a scratch, a fall, or even a minor bump that didn’t even bleed.

The truth is: what seems like a small trauma to the eye, can be deep for the skin.

And then, there are the emotional traumas—

The ones you can’t see, but the body still feels.

Almost every client I’ve seen with more visible vitiligo shares a similar story:

a deep loss, a period of grief, extreme stress…

And shortly after, the spots began to appear.

It’s not a rule—but it’s a pattern I’ve noticed for years.

And because of that, I approach each case with empathy, respect, and deep sensitivity.

⸻

These spots don’t define anyone—but they leave a deep impact.

Some clients say it feels like their body aged faster than it should.

Others avoid wearing dresses or short sleeves, afraid they’re being stared at.

Some even think people around them believe it’s contagious.

The truth?

These marks speak—even when someone tries to silence them.

And what moves me the most is when a client looks in the mirror and says:

“It’s been a long time since I recognized myself.”

Because sometimes, the procedure brings back more than color.

It brings back identity. Self-esteem. Presence.

Medicine still doesn’t offer a cure. But there is something that helps—a lot.

When the cause is trauma (emotional or physical) and a doctor has confirmed it’s safe to proceed,

color equalization through dermopigmentation can be a powerful solution.

It’s not makeup. It’s not magic.

It’s technique, sensitivity, and a deep respect for the skin—and the story it carries.

And honestly?

Few things are as fulfilling as ending your day knowing you were part of a moment like that.

Even if it’s just one step…

It’s one step back to self.

And what if one day, you could be on the other side of that moment?

I’m not saying this as an invitation or pitch.

I’m saying it as someone who lives this work every day—

and knows how transformational it truly is.

For the person receiving the care…

And for the one offering it.

But that’s a story for another post.

In the next blogs, I’ll share more about the other causes of hypopigmentation—

how the sun, genetics, and even certain chemical products can all play a role in these visible marks.

For today, I just want to leave you with this:

You don’t need to understand everything right now.

But you can begin to look at your skin—or someone else’s—with more empathy.

Transformation begins with listening.

With presence.

With compassion.

Empowering your journey,

Priscila Iwama.