Small white spots on the skin can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Sunspots: These are white spots where skin pigment has been lost due to sun exposure. They usually cause no symptoms, are 1-3 millimeters in size, and tend to appear first on the legs before progressing to the arms, upper back, and face.

• Milia: These are small, hard, raised bumps that can appear anywhere on the body, but tend to occur in clusters on the face, usually around the eyes or on the forehead. They are pimple-like cysts that can be caused by trapped dead skin cells or oil.

• Tinea versicolor: This is a fungal infection that can cause white or light-colored patches on the skin. It is caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin and is more common in warm, humid climates.

• Vitiligo: This is a condition where the skin loses its pigment, resulting in white patches on the skin. It is caused by the destruction of melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in the skin.

• Steroid-induced hypopigmentation: This is a side effect of using topical steroids for a prolonged period of time. It can cause the skin to lose its pigment and result in white spots.

• Pityriasis alba: This is a common skin condition that causes light-colored patches on the face. It is more common in children and is thought to be related to eczema.

It is important to have white spots checked by a dermatologist to understand their cause and the best way to treat them. In most cases, white spots on the skin do not require medical treatment and will eventually go away on their own. However, if the spots are accompanied by other symptoms or persist for an extended period of time, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying health concerns.