Hello Doctor, There Is A Light Brown Colored Area Developed

Posted on Sat, 17 Aug 2019

Question: Hello Doctor,

There is a light brown colored area developed on my chest around 3 years back (Picture attached). Though I have such areas at multiple places on my body but I saw most of them from my childhood. This one is worrying me as I saw this one for the first time around 3 years back. I am little worried if this is related to any serious disease like cancer. I see that this area is little scaly (I mean I don't see any thin skin layer coming out of it but I get some scales when I rub it using nails).

Note - I find my skin as little sensitive. It easily becomes red even if I rub it with very light hands. Also, I had very bad chicken pox around 3 years back, there are still few marks on the body due to that, not sure if this area became light brownish after that.

Request for your advice.

Thanks & Regards,
Ashish

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

Brief Answer:
Seborrheic dermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have reviewed your query and viewed the image.

This light red to brown colored patch on your chest is most likely that of seborrheic dermatitis. It is a dry scaly condition and may affect scalp, face, chest etc. It is quite common and not a serious condition. Seborrheic dermatitis is a steroid responsive condition. Therefore I suggest you to use an OTC topical steroid e.g cortisone cream (hydrocortisone cream), twice daily for a few days at this site

Hope I have answered your query..Let me know if you need any more assistance.

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