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2 Weeks Ago I Noticed A Dry Patch Of Red

Posted on Tue, 15 Oct 2019

Question: 2 weeks ago I noticed a dry patch of red skin. i have tried otc anti-fungal and hydrocortisone off and on. It doesn't hurt, doesn't itch, doesn't bother me aside from my anxiety (high degree of health anxiety). It has not gotten any bigger. Sometimes its lighter. Again, no symptoms...just it being there. It is on my mid-left thigh. Terrified that it is cancer (but I think everything is cancer). No new soaps, detergents, clothes, etc. Wife believes I had something similar in the past that took a bit to go away. I dont recall.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly upload some images for review

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service.
I have gone through your query and noted your concern.

It could be either a fungal infection or discoid dermatitis...

I'd request you to kindly upload images of the affected area in "Reports Section" so that I am able to have a look and guide you accordingly.

Hope to assist you further...

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)

I am petrified that it is skin cancer. Again, no itch, no pain, no growth, no ooze. Mildly raised/irritated. Just pink to dark pink at times and sometimes dry flakes in area affected.

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (5 minutes later)

Are my photos uploading?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Images not received

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
No, I haven't yet received the images. You may upload images in " Reports Section " or mail me at YYYY@YYYY with the subject line of the mail as Attention: Dr. kakkar. Once I get the images, I will get back to you.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (30 minutes later)

Sent. Thank you.

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (59 minutes later)

Please see attached and thank you.

1st image shows without dry skin.
2nd image shows with. Varies throughout day. I think when pants are on it rubs the dry skin a bit. But no ooze, no crust, no itching, no pain, just there.

Joseph Bullins

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding a dry, scaly patch

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
It's a red, scaly patch. Just going by the appearance of it, I would keep possibilities of either Discoid dermatitis, Fungal infection or Bowen's disease. Discoid dermatitis and Fungal infection can be distinguished by a KOH skin examination which would show hyphae if it is a fungal infection. Discoid dermatitis on the other hand is an eczematous patch of dry skin. Whereas, Bowen's disease is an intra epidermal squamous cell carcinoma. It usually happens on skin that had been chronically sun exposed. So it is unlikely that you would be having Bowen's in mid thigh region as it is always covered.
Take care.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana