Have White Blotches On Chest And Shoulder. What Is The Treatment?

Posted on Mon, 25 Nov 2013

Question: Hello. Back in August, we went to Hawaii. Towards the end of the trip my tan looked like it was disappearing into white blotches. I didn't think much of it but now I itch all over the blotches and it has spread to my shoulders and chest. My shoulders itch the worst and it's been keeping me up at night. I have a trip to Mexico in December and I'd really like to get rid of whatever it is before that. Please advise. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Pitiriasis versicolor Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXXXX Thanks for the query. The most likley diagnosis given the pictures and the recent trip with taning would be pitiriasis versicolor, which is a bening fungal infection that can become more evident after tanning. Spots may either be dark or clear and the most common symptom is itching. Tretament involves regular use, 2-3 times a day of a topical cream such as clotrimazole or miconazole at 1%, until lesions resolve. Yours truly, Dr Brenes Salazar Mayo Clinic MN

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (5 minutes later)

Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (2 days later)

Brief Answer: Welcome! Detailed Answer: Most welcome Jenn, best regards

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar