White Spots on Throat: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Published On7 November, 2025

Dr. Vaseem Choudhary M.D
White spots visible on the throat

Seeing white spots on the sides or back of your throat can be a little scary. It is a common concern that causes discomfort, irritation, and even pain while swallowing. While these white spots are often harmless, they can sometimes indicate an underlying infection or condition that requires attention. In this blog, let’s explore the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for white spots on the throat. 

What are White Spots on Throat?

You may see white spots or pale-yellow spots on the sides or back of your throat while brushing or flossing your teeth. This can be a little scary, but the cause of these white spots is usually an infection, whether it’s caused by bacteria, a virus, or a fungus. Along with white spots, streaks, or patches at the back of your throat, you may also notice other symptoms like sore throat, trouble swallowing, fever, fatigue, and nasal congestion. You may also experience other symptoms, like throat pain. 

Symptoms of White Spots on Throat

White spots on throat may occur with other symptoms, depending on the cause. But a person may notice the following symptoms:  

  •     white spots, streaks, or blotches on the tonsils or throat
  •     a sore throat
  •     difficulty swallowing
  •     other symptoms, such as a fever, fatigue, or nasal congestion, depending on the cause

If the symptoms persist for more than a few days or worsen over time, it’s best to consult a doctor to rule out infections like strep throat or tonsillitis.

Causes of White Spots in Throat

Several types of infections may cause white spots on your throat. These include infections from bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Specific causes can include:

  • Strep throat: A strep throat is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, and white patches or spots on the tonsils and throat are common signs of strep throat. Along with throat discomfort, other symptoms may include fever, chills, loss of appetite, headache, and swollen lymph nodes.
  • Infectious mononucleosis: This highly contagious viral infection, also called mono, is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It can cause white spots on your throat along with other symptoms like fever, sore throat, severe fatigue, head and body aches, swollen liver, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck and underarms. It can easily spread from person and teenagers and young adults are most at risk. 
  • Oral Thrush: Oral thrush, also known as Oropharyngeal candidiasis, is a fungal infection that can affect the mouth and throat. It can cause white spots to appear in the throat. They can also appear on the inner cheeks, the roof of the mouth, and on the tongue. Oral thrush is more common in babies, as well as people who use dentures, have a weakened immune system, have diabetes, or use antibiotics for long-term conditions. 
  • Oral and genital herpes: Oral herpes is a common viral infection. It can spread through kissing, oral sex, or sharing utensils or cups with someone who has an active infection. Genital herpes is considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It’s spread through skin-to-skin contact. Sex without a condom or other barrier method may increase the risk of STIs, such as HSV-2.
  • Tonsil Stones: Tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths, can form when bacteria and debris, such as food and mucus, become stuck in crevices in the tonsils. As the debris hardens or calcifies, white spots can become visible on the tonsils. 

 

  • Tonsillitis: Tonsillitis involves inflammation or swelling of the tonsils. It usually results from a viral infection, but can occur with strep throat. Symptoms of viral tonsillitis include a white or yellow coating on the tonsils, red and swollen tonsils, possibly with pus, a sore throat, pain and difficulty when swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Early-Stage White Spots Throat Cancer

White spots on the throat are not necessarily a sign of cancer. They may be due to non-cancerous causes like infections or irritation. Throat cancer often looks like visible red or white patches, ulcers, or a lump on one side of the throat. Many throat cancers are caused by smoking, chewing tobacco, and excessive alcohol use. Some throat cancers begin as oral leukoplakia, a general term for a white patch in the mouth that doesn’t have a known cause. Leukoplakia sores are premalignant lesions, which means they’re not cancerous yet but could develop into cancer. Most cases are benign and some go away on their own, but others will progress to become cancer. Oral leukoplakia is typically asymptomatic, but you should see a healthcare provider if it doesn’t go away within two weeks.

If white spots on throat are due to cancer, you may have other symptoms like: 

  •     Unexplained weight loss
  •     Difficulty swallowing
  •     A lump in the neck, mouth, or throat
  •     Difficulty opening the mouth or jaw movements
  •     Speech disturbances
  •     Bad breath 
  •     Nonhealing ulcer
  •     Loosening of teeth
  •     Stubborn pain in the mouth or throat
  •     Bleeding from the mouth or nose
  •     Loss of appetite
  •     Hoarseness
  •     Worsening cough
  •     Breathing difficulty 
  •     Persistent sore throat
  •     Severe earache

White Spots on Throat Treatment

White Spots on throat treatment varies based on the underlying cause. Here are a few treatment options your doctor may suggest based on your symptoms: 

  • Antibiotics: If white spots on throat are caused by bacterial infections like group A Streptococcus, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection. Make sure to take the entire cycle of antibiotics, even if your symptoms clear up before you’re finished.
  • Antiviral medications: While viral infections generally resolve independently, severe cases may require antiviral medications to manage symptoms and expedite recovery.
  • Pain relief medicines: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate throat pain and discomfort associated with white spots.
  • Home remedies: Home remedies like gargling with warm salt water, eating plenty of ice cream, maintaining hydration, and getting ample rest can complement medical treatment, relieving discomfort and supporting the body’s healing process.
  • Tonsil stone removal: If your white spots is due to tonsil stones, you can remove tonsil stones by gargling salt water, flushing them with a water pick or pushing them out with a cotton swab. If you cannot remove the stones, or they are frequently recurring, seek help from your doctor. provider.

FAQs 

  1. What are some causes of white spots in throat?

White spots on throat are usually caused by infections like tonsillitis, strep throat, oral thrush, or mono. It can also be caused by tonsil stones, herpes, and throat cancer. 

  1. Are white spots on throat serious?

You may see white spots or pale-yellow spots on the sides or back of your throat while brushing or flossing your teeth. This can be a little scary, but the cause of these white spots is usually an infection, whether it’s caused by bacteria, a virus, or a fungus.

  1. What is the white spots on throat treatment? 

White Spots on throat treatment varies based on the underlying cause. Here are a few treatment options your doctor may suggest based on your symptoms: Antibiotics, Antiviral medications, Pain relief medicines, home remedies, and Tonsil stone removal

  1. Are white spots a symptom of early-stage throat cancer?  

White spots on the throat are not necessarily a sign of cancer. They may be due to non-cancerous causes like infections or irritation. White spots can also be caused due to leukoplakia, a condition that causes white patches in the mouth and throat. These patches are not cancer, but if left untreated, they may lead to cancer.

 

Homeo Care Clinic offers a holistic approach to treating the disease. The remedies mentioned above can treat the underlying causes of the condition and offer relief from the discomfort. However, it is important to consult a qualified homeopathic practitioner for the correct dosage and duration of treatment. Homeo Care Clinic provides comprehensive care for various ailments, and offers customized treatment plans based on individual requirements.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about our treatment, please visit our website or give us a call +91 9595211594 our best homeopathy doctor will be here to help.

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About the Author Bio:

Dr. Vaseem Choudhary, is a seasoned classical homeopath with over 16 years of experience, dedicated to treating patients with compassion, precision and holistic care. Mainly in Pune & Mumbai, serving both national and international patients from UK, USA, Germany, France, Canada, Bhutan, Dubai & China. With a wide range of acute and chronic conditions—from skin disorders, hormonal issues, and digestive problems to autoimmune diseases and mental health concerns.

Dr. Vaseem is widely respected for his unique approach that combines classical homeopathy, personalized diet planning, lifestyle guidance, and a spiritual perspective on healing. He is known for his detailed and empathetic case-taking process, which focuses on treating the root cause rather than just symptoms.

In recognition of his dedication and clinical excellence, Dr. Vaseem has been honored with the Best Homeopathic Doctor in Pune award by leading platforms such as:

  •   Hindustan Times
  •   National Health Care Awards
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He is also a contributing author to the International Journal of Homeopathy and Natural Medicines (IJHNM), where he shares his research and clinical experiences with the global medical community.

With a passion to take homeopathy to new heights, Dr. Vaseem continues to guide patients towards natural, safe, and sustainable healing.