Development of white spots! Anyone identify? Heard of any connection please?

[Minnskimoo]

Hi

I am interested to hear if anyone has noticed any changes in skin due to PA? I am sure I read somewhere about the development of white spots on the skin - however, I cannot remember where I read this! (perhaps imagined?) I have had a consultation with a neurologist - MRI and Nerve Conduction tests are being arranged to try to find the possible cause of neuropathy in hands and feet. B12 /PA was mentioned as I took it upon myself to ask if this could be the reason for neuropathy. My B12 has continued to decrease over the years . It now stands at 233 and I am still classed as ‘normal’ I appreciate that to be ‘deficient ‘ according to guidelines, the result needs to be lower but, if I carry on like this I don’t think I will be able to function at all for very much longer.

The consultant mentioned the word ‘malabsorption’ as I said my diet includes good sources of B12.

Sue

[EllieMayNot]

This is another autoimmune condition called vitiligo. It is common to have more than one autoimmune issue and vitiligo and PA are both autoimmune disorders. I do have both. Noticed the white spots well over a decade ago and had no idea what they were. Actually didn't have any concerns until one of my kids asked me what was wrong with my legs. My GP gave me lists of disorders associated with PA and with low gastric acid and this was on both lists.

[Minnskimoo in reply to EllieMayNot]

Oh my !

Thank you so much for your swift response and information!

Sorry to hear you have both but a comfort to know it’s not unusual.

I forgot to mention I have Behcet’s, so I suppose adding a few more ‘disorders’ to the mix is par for the course!

I was thinking they look like when you have a scar and your skin tans in the summer, the scar stays white . These are becoming more prevalent in colour and quantity.

Thank you once again.

Sue

[EllieMayNot in reply to Minnskimoo]

Funny you should say that about the scars. When the spots first started appearing that is what I thought they were. Sorry to hear of the Behcet's, you don't need another challenge! My functional practitioner has me on an autoimmune diet (gluten free, dairy free) to try to calm down all of my autoimmune issues. I'm good at being gluten free but do sneak in some dairy from time to time. I do feel better without gluten but it is very challenging to avoid as it seems to be in most things. Seems more and more people I talk to suffer from autoimmune issues. Always swapping stories, always something more to learn.

Hope you find relief and best to you!

[Minnskimoo in reply to EllieMayNot]

I have read so many things about gluten free diets. I do wonder if trying to go GF could at least help to alleviate some of my debilitating symptoms. I suppose anything is worth a try. I did see a Nutritionist who thought my gut issues were related to lactose intolerance! So, lactose free it was to be - sadly, the symptoms still persist to this day.

Yes, I Intend to agree re the prevalence of increasing numbers of people with AD . Once upon a time it seemed quite rare to hear of!

True! There is always something new to learn -every day .

Take care too. 💐

[fbirder in reply to Minnskimoo]

Gut issues could be caused by Autoimmune Gastric Atrophy (the cause of Pernicious Anaemia) as that causes low stomach acid.

It might also be caused by FODMAP sensitivity. People who have non-coeliac gluten sensitivity normally aren't sensitive to gluten, but FODMAPs. Reducing gluten tends to also reduce the FODMAPs in your diet.

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi...

It may be worth investigating a FODMAP free diet.

[Minnskimoo in reply to fbirder]

Thank you fbirder for the link!

Strange how a diet that you have followed for many years can have such a detrimental effect on your health Anything is worth a try.

Much appreciated! 👍🏻

Sue.

[nano2]

Yes Daughter has this more prevalent on her feet & legs. Good luck with your tests.

[Minnskimoo in reply to nano2]

Thank you so much nano2!

Helpful to hear!

x

[Annkapp]

I also have some white spots and believe for me it is caused by incomplete digestion from low stomach acids. Read all about possible causes of vitiligo in the link below. I believe low stomach acid is one of the more common and probably the root cause reason for most people.

thevitpro.com/vitiligo-caus...

[Minnskimoo in reply to Annkapp]

Thank you,Annkap! This makes interesting reading.

I am of the mind that most of my problems are all interrelated.

As I have Behcet’s, I was prescribed Prednisolone over a year and a half ago...(now trying to taper, and suffering) was also prescribed Omeprazole and informed to continue as this med counteracts the effects that steroids can have on the digestive system. Boy, what a mix! I am therefore thinking the Omeprazole has contributed to my lowering B12 perhaps? GP didn’t appear to agree as my results not below range!🤷🏼‍♀️

It seems low stomach acid can contribute to many things!

I am not giving up and will ask about these spots at my follow up consultation!

I truly appreciate all the information I have received so far!

Sue

[Annkapp]

Here is a link on how to test and correct low stomach acid.

nutritiongang.com/low-stoma...

[Minnskimoo in reply to Annkapp]

Thank you! 👍🏻

[Shashapoo]

I was definitely treated with a level of 268 with monthly injections. I, too, have the white spots, but always thought it was related to too much sun. I have several autoimmune conditions, so this could be related. I had not given much thought to it until now.

[Minnskimoo in reply to Shashapoo]

Sorry to hear you have several autoimmune conditions, Shashapoo. No fun, for sure. Have the injections improved your symptoms any? I truly hope so.

And yes, I understand why you would think the spots are related to sun exposure .

Thank you for your response. It’s a huge help to know we’re not alone on this rocky road!

[Shashapoo in reply to Minnskimoo]

I am back on oral.. sublinqual B-12, and since being back on some of my symptoms have improved as I had been off for approximately 10 months or so. Could not get several docs to listen to me about the tingling of hands, feet and tonque, as well as fatique. Finally, after dropping almost 1600 points, one doc agreed to let me start back. My level had gotten to 2000, which I believe tells us that it was not in the cells. Depression had become a huge issue as well. Last Doc gave an order to have MMA done and when I got to hospital for draw, he put wrong diagnosis and my insurance would not cover it. Hospital called his office and left message for him to call to correct and he never did! I am frustrated, because it tells me he didn't care!

These spots I have look like yours...so not sure..

[Minnskimoo in reply to Shashapoo]

Hi Sashapoo,

‘Could not get several docs to listen to me about the tingling of hands, feet and tongue, as well as fatigue’ It sadly, all sounds too familiar. It appears my tingling is down to anxiety....Much like everything else. I know this is not the case- I truly do!

Sorry to read about your wrong diagnosis...certainly does not help the cause! And how rude to ignore and never rectify the mistake. Too right you were frustrated -who wouldn’t be under those circumstances. However, good to know some of your symptoms have improved a little. I hope they continue to do so.

And the spots, who knows? I thought I had read somewhere there was a connection but can not remember where.

Thank you for replying.

Take care.

[chrisbuy63]

My husband had white spots on his arms that look very similar to your photo and he was advised to use a coal tar shampoo solution on his arms whilst showering and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. I can confirm that for him that actually has worked and the spots are hardly noticed now. Apparently it can be related to a skin fungus he has not been diagnosed with any other condition.

[Minnskimoo in reply to chrisbuy63]

Oh, that’s a new one-skin fungus!

And coal tar shampoo! Blimey, not seen that around for many a year! If it helps , fantastic! I’m wondering if that is similar to Nizoral I was advised to try for a scalp problem a while back! I may have to consider giving the coal tar a trial.

Thank you chrisbuy63.

[chrisbuy63]

He bought Polytar shampoo on ebay and said it is not harsh and actually left his skin feeling soft. He did it for around 2 months. I hope you find your solution.

[Minnskimoo in reply to chrisbuy63]

Thank you for this! 👏🏻👏🏻x

[SunnyWorld]

I also have these white spots and had no idea it could be associated to PA or that it is an autoimmune disorder. I just thought I had odd skin. Thank you for posting about this.

[Minnskimoo in reply to SunnyWorld]

It is amazing the information you can glean from the helpful people on these HU forums!

Pleased it has given you an insight ...x

[McRose]

I have B12 deficiency and similar white spots as well as scaly patches on my scalp. For my scalp issues Nizoral shampoo (w anti fungal medication) has worked in the past and white spots did diminish too. Never fully disappeared and still having periodical flares.

[Minnskimoo in reply to McRose]

Thank you for the link, McRose-very much appreciated. 👍🏻

All the responses I have received lead me to believe there could be some connection. It is difficult to know when you already have an autoimmune disorder if any new symptoms are just a part of that or something else manifesting. 🙆🏼‍♀️

I am reducing steroids and lots of my original symptoms have returned with a vengeance - with added extras, so who knows!

Sue.

[McRose]

See this article:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...