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Hey Doctor, I’ve Had This Weird Dirt Like Looking Spot
Question: Hey doctor,
I’ve had this weird dirt like looking spot just above my belly button for as long as I can remember. It kind of looks like the same type of dirt spots that build up in my belly button. I never really though much of it but it’s kind of got me curious as to what it is and why it’s there. I have attached some images but I can’t seem to get rid of itscrubbing it with soap and water only gets the surface of it off what do you think it is could it be something more sinister and can I get rid of it?
Thanks in advance.
I’ve had this weird dirt like looking spot just above my belly button for as long as I can remember. It kind of looks like the same type of dirt spots that build up in my belly button. I never really though much of it but it’s kind of got me curious as to what it is and why it’s there. I have attached some images but I can’t seem to get rid of itscrubbing it with soap and water only gets the surface of it off what do you think it is could it be something more sinister and can I get rid of it?
Thanks in advance.
Hey doctor,
I’ve had this weird dirt like looking spot just above my belly button for as long as I can remember. It kind of looks like the same type of dirt spots that build up in my belly button. I never really though much of it but it’s kind of got me curious as to what it is and why it’s there. I have attached some images but I can’t seem to get rid of itscrubbing it with soap and water only gets the surface of it off what do you think it is could it be something more sinister and can I get rid of it?
Thanks in advance.
I’ve had this weird dirt like looking spot just above my belly button for as long as I can remember. It kind of looks like the same type of dirt spots that build up in my belly button. I never really though much of it but it’s kind of got me curious as to what it is and why it’s there. I have attached some images but I can’t seem to get rid of itscrubbing it with soap and water only gets the surface of it off what do you think it is could it be something more sinister and can I get rid of it?
Thanks in advance.
Brief Answer:
Very likely fungal infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service.
I have reviewed your query have seen both the images attached with it and here is my advice.
From the picture attached and pattern of spots very likely it appears to be fungal in nature.However i need to ask you few question initially to provide you with a better professional advice.
1) Do you do digging,gardening,exercising,cleaning dust etc as these activities involves lots of sweating and moisture is favourite enviroment for fungi to develop colonies.
2)Is it hot and humid at your place?
3)Does it itch or you have a feeling to scratch it?
4)Do you have pets?
5)Any anti fungal medication tried till date?
6)Area of spot is increasing or is constant from the first day?
7)After shaving off your hairs do you dis infect the blade or trimmer?
8)Do you use a common swimming pool?
As per me its fungal infection,
You need fluconazole/clotrimazole/Terbinafine ointment and rub it thrice daily over the spots along with it use any anti fungal powder(over the counter) to keep the area completely dry.
Oral antifungals can also be taken but i don't think your doctor in australia would give you a prescription for oral antifungal's at first visit.
So initially go for fluconazole ointment and anti fungal powder.
Reply answers.
Hope i was helpful,
Thanks!
Very likely fungal infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service.
I have reviewed your query have seen both the images attached with it and here is my advice.
From the picture attached and pattern of spots very likely it appears to be fungal in nature.However i need to ask you few question initially to provide you with a better professional advice.
1) Do you do digging,gardening,exercising,cleaning dust etc as these activities involves lots of sweating and moisture is favourite enviroment for fungi to develop colonies.
2)Is it hot and humid at your place?
3)Does it itch or you have a feeling to scratch it?
4)Do you have pets?
5)Any anti fungal medication tried till date?
6)Area of spot is increasing or is constant from the first day?
7)After shaving off your hairs do you dis infect the blade or trimmer?
8)Do you use a common swimming pool?
As per me its fungal infection,
You need fluconazole/clotrimazole/Terbinafine ointment and rub it thrice daily over the spots along with it use any anti fungal powder(over the counter) to keep the area completely dry.
Oral antifungals can also be taken but i don't think your doctor in australia would give you a prescription for oral antifungal's at first visit.
So initially go for fluconazole ointment and anti fungal powder.
Reply answers.
Hope i was helpful,
Thanks!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Brief Answer:
Very likely fungal infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service.
I have reviewed your query have seen both the images attached with it and here is my advice.
From the picture attached and pattern of spots very likely it appears to be fungal in nature.However i need to ask you few question initially to provide you with a better professional advice.
1) Do you do digging,gardening,exercising,cleaning dust etc as these activities involves lots of sweating and moisture is favourite enviroment for fungi to develop colonies.
2)Is it hot and humid at your place?
3)Does it itch or you have a feeling to scratch it?
4)Do you have pets?
5)Any anti fungal medication tried till date?
6)Area of spot is increasing or is constant from the first day?
7)After shaving off your hairs do you dis infect the blade or trimmer?
8)Do you use a common swimming pool?
As per me its fungal infection,
You need fluconazole/clotrimazole/Terbinafine ointment and rub it thrice daily over the spots along with it use any anti fungal powder(over the counter) to keep the area completely dry.
Oral antifungals can also be taken but i don't think your doctor in australia would give you a prescription for oral antifungal's at first visit.
So initially go for fluconazole ointment and anti fungal powder.
Reply answers.
Hope i was helpful,
Thanks!
Very likely fungal infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service.
I have reviewed your query have seen both the images attached with it and here is my advice.
From the picture attached and pattern of spots very likely it appears to be fungal in nature.However i need to ask you few question initially to provide you with a better professional advice.
1) Do you do digging,gardening,exercising,cleaning dust etc as these activities involves lots of sweating and moisture is favourite enviroment for fungi to develop colonies.
2)Is it hot and humid at your place?
3)Does it itch or you have a feeling to scratch it?
4)Do you have pets?
5)Any anti fungal medication tried till date?
6)Area of spot is increasing or is constant from the first day?
7)After shaving off your hairs do you dis infect the blade or trimmer?
8)Do you use a common swimming pool?
As per me its fungal infection,
You need fluconazole/clotrimazole/Terbinafine ointment and rub it thrice daily over the spots along with it use any anti fungal powder(over the counter) to keep the area completely dry.
Oral antifungals can also be taken but i don't think your doctor in australia would give you a prescription for oral antifungal's at first visit.
So initially go for fluconazole ointment and anti fungal powder.
Reply answers.
Hope i was helpful,
Thanks!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
1) Do you do digging,gardening,exercising,cleaning dust etc as these activities involves lots of sweating and moisture is favourite enviroment for fungi to develop colonies.
A: No not really any of those activities i used to exercise a lot last year but not anymore and I’ve had this spot for a long time.
2)Is it hot and humid at your place?
A: No not really humid it’s been cold the last couple of months but it’s coming into summer now.
3)Does it itch or you have a feeling to scratch it?
A: Doesn’t really itch or hurt only on rare occasion mainly if I sweat in that area but I’m unsure if it’s fungal since I’ve had it for such a long time. Can fungal infections cause ache like pain?
4)Do you have pets?
A: No pets
5)Any anti fungal medication tried till date?
A: I haven’t tried any no
6)Area of spot is increasing or is constant from the first day?
A: It’s stayed the same and it has never grown in size it’s just that area really
7)After shaving off your hairs do you dis infect the blade or trimmer?
I usually disinfect it before with either hot water and soap or an anti bacterial wet wipe.
8)Do you use a common swimming pool?
No I don’t and I rarely swim.
A: No not really any of those activities i used to exercise a lot last year but not anymore and I’ve had this spot for a long time.
2)Is it hot and humid at your place?
A: No not really humid it’s been cold the last couple of months but it’s coming into summer now.
3)Does it itch or you have a feeling to scratch it?
A: Doesn’t really itch or hurt only on rare occasion mainly if I sweat in that area but I’m unsure if it’s fungal since I’ve had it for such a long time. Can fungal infections cause ache like pain?
4)Do you have pets?
A: No pets
5)Any anti fungal medication tried till date?
A: I haven’t tried any no
6)Area of spot is increasing or is constant from the first day?
A: It’s stayed the same and it has never grown in size it’s just that area really
7)After shaving off your hairs do you dis infect the blade or trimmer?
I usually disinfect it before with either hot water and soap or an anti bacterial wet wipe.
8)Do you use a common swimming pool?
No I don’t and I rarely swim.
1) Do you do digging,gardening,exercising,cleaning dust etc as these activities involves lots of sweating and moisture is favourite enviroment for fungi to develop colonies.
A: No not really any of those activities i used to exercise a lot last year but not anymore and I’ve had this spot for a long time.
2)Is it hot and humid at your place?
A: No not really humid it’s been cold the last couple of months but it’s coming into summer now.
3)Does it itch or you have a feeling to scratch it?
A: Doesn’t really itch or hurt only on rare occasion mainly if I sweat in that area but I’m unsure if it’s fungal since I’ve had it for such a long time. Can fungal infections cause ache like pain?
4)Do you have pets?
A: No pets
5)Any anti fungal medication tried till date?
A: I haven’t tried any no
6)Area of spot is increasing or is constant from the first day?
A: It’s stayed the same and it has never grown in size it’s just that area really
7)After shaving off your hairs do you dis infect the blade or trimmer?
I usually disinfect it before with either hot water and soap or an anti bacterial wet wipe.
8)Do you use a common swimming pool?
No I don’t and I rarely swim.
A: No not really any of those activities i used to exercise a lot last year but not anymore and I’ve had this spot for a long time.
2)Is it hot and humid at your place?
A: No not really humid it’s been cold the last couple of months but it’s coming into summer now.
3)Does it itch or you have a feeling to scratch it?
A: Doesn’t really itch or hurt only on rare occasion mainly if I sweat in that area but I’m unsure if it’s fungal since I’ve had it for such a long time. Can fungal infections cause ache like pain?
4)Do you have pets?
A: No pets
5)Any anti fungal medication tried till date?
A: I haven’t tried any no
6)Area of spot is increasing or is constant from the first day?
A: It’s stayed the same and it has never grown in size it’s just that area really
7)After shaving off your hairs do you dis infect the blade or trimmer?
I usually disinfect it before with either hot water and soap or an anti bacterial wet wipe.
8)Do you use a common swimming pool?
No I don’t and I rarely swim.
Can fungal infections last a long time because I swear I’ve had this for quite a while? Is there any negative effects to that?
Can fungal infections last a long time because I swear I’ve had this for quite a while? Is there any negative effects to that?
Brief Answer:
3)Does it itch or you have a feeling to scratch it? A: Doesn’t really itch or hurt only on rare occasion mainly if I sweat in that area.
Only point which strongly favour's fungul infection(at least as initial diagnosis).
In lay mans language sweat itch and fungus are best friends.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Yes off course fungal infection if left untreated may last for years.
There are hundreds of varieties of fungus and yeast some of them grow rapidly while other don't.
Hope that you can understand that just by seeing 2 photos its very difficult to provide you with exact diagnosis.
Another possibility is Melasma but it rarely include any part other then neck face.
Final conclusion-
Try an anti fungal cream/lotion for a week.
If no change is noticed visit the nearest dermatologist may be a FNAC sample may be taken.A small part of the skin of that area would be observed under a microscope to find the culprit.
However as it is there from a long time right now don't panic.
Use ointment and follow up after 7 to 10 days(have patience).
Follow ups are welcome.
In case the thread gets closed in a week you may write to me directly at http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ramesh-kumar/72660
Hope you were helped in case you have any suggestions to ask answer better they are welcome.
Wish you a fast recovery.
Get well soon!
3)Does it itch or you have a feeling to scratch it? A: Doesn’t really itch or hurt only on rare occasion mainly if I sweat in that area.
Only point which strongly favour's fungul infection(at least as initial diagnosis).
In lay mans language sweat itch and fungus are best friends.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Yes off course fungal infection if left untreated may last for years.
There are hundreds of varieties of fungus and yeast some of them grow rapidly while other don't.
Hope that you can understand that just by seeing 2 photos its very difficult to provide you with exact diagnosis.
Another possibility is Melasma but it rarely include any part other then neck face.
Final conclusion-
Try an anti fungal cream/lotion for a week.
If no change is noticed visit the nearest dermatologist may be a FNAC sample may be taken.A small part of the skin of that area would be observed under a microscope to find the culprit.
However as it is there from a long time right now don't panic.
Use ointment and follow up after 7 to 10 days(have patience).
Follow ups are welcome.
In case the thread gets closed in a week you may write to me directly at http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ramesh-kumar/72660
Hope you were helped in case you have any suggestions to ask answer better they are welcome.
Wish you a fast recovery.
Get well soon!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Brief Answer:
3)Does it itch or you have a feeling to scratch it? A: Doesn’t really itch or hurt only on rare occasion mainly if I sweat in that area.
Only point which strongly favour's fungul infection(at least as initial diagnosis).
In lay mans language sweat itch and fungus are best friends.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Yes off course fungal infection if left untreated may last for years.
There are hundreds of varieties of fungus and yeast some of them grow rapidly while other don't.
Hope that you can understand that just by seeing 2 photos its very difficult to provide you with exact diagnosis.
Another possibility is Melasma but it rarely include any part other then neck face.
Final conclusion-
Try an anti fungal cream/lotion for a week.
If no change is noticed visit the nearest dermatologist may be a FNAC sample may be taken.A small part of the skin of that area would be observed under a microscope to find the culprit.
However as it is there from a long time right now don't panic.
Use ointment and follow up after 7 to 10 days(have patience).
Follow ups are welcome.
In case the thread gets closed in a week you may write to me directly at http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ramesh-kumar/72660
Hope you were helped in case you have any suggestions to ask answer better they are welcome.
Wish you a fast recovery.
Get well soon!
3)Does it itch or you have a feeling to scratch it? A: Doesn’t really itch or hurt only on rare occasion mainly if I sweat in that area.
Only point which strongly favour's fungul infection(at least as initial diagnosis).
In lay mans language sweat itch and fungus are best friends.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Yes off course fungal infection if left untreated may last for years.
There are hundreds of varieties of fungus and yeast some of them grow rapidly while other don't.
Hope that you can understand that just by seeing 2 photos its very difficult to provide you with exact diagnosis.
Another possibility is Melasma but it rarely include any part other then neck face.
Final conclusion-
Try an anti fungal cream/lotion for a week.
If no change is noticed visit the nearest dermatologist may be a FNAC sample may be taken.A small part of the skin of that area would be observed under a microscope to find the culprit.
However as it is there from a long time right now don't panic.
Use ointment and follow up after 7 to 10 days(have patience).
Follow ups are welcome.
In case the thread gets closed in a week you may write to me directly at http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ramesh-kumar/72660
Hope you were helped in case you have any suggestions to ask answer better they are welcome.
Wish you a fast recovery.
Get well soon!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
All right no worries the only thing is I’m going for a holiday for 5 days next tomorrkw do you think it is something that can wait until after? Also just out curiosity I also suffer from stomach pain in the exact same spot where that patch is could they be related in anyway I’ve basically been diagnosed with functional dyspseia after all my tests coming out clear.
All right no worries the only thing is I’m going for a holiday for 5 days next tomorrkw do you think it is something that can wait until after? Also just out curiosity I also suffer from stomach pain in the exact same spot where that patch is could they be related in anyway I’ve basically been diagnosed with functional dyspseia after all my tests coming out clear.
Brief Answer:
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again dear,
No both issues are seperate and can't be related to each other.
Yes you can start treatment after holiday.
Thank you and regards!
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again dear,
No both issues are seperate and can't be related to each other.
Yes you can start treatment after holiday.
Thank you and regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Brief Answer:
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again dear,
No both issues are seperate and can't be related to each other.
Yes you can start treatment after holiday.
Thank you and regards!
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again dear,
No both issues are seperate and can't be related to each other.
Yes you can start treatment after holiday.
Thank you and regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thanks for that doctor just one last thing on a related note. So I’m going to Bali for this holiday I’ve been taking this probiotic for the last 4 days called “Saccharomyces Cerevisiae (Boulardii).5 billion CFU (Colony Forming Units) (Organisms).” The thing is every time I find I have a probiotic I get an acne flare up on my face just a lot of pimples that come overnight after first taking the tablet along with excess gas as well. Can this be a side effect of this particular strain or with my current stomach issues could it possibly indicate something like SIBO? I’ve gone through numerous tests including gastroscopys, colonoscopy, stool tests, blood tests which came out clear but could SIBO be a possibility?
Thanks for that doctor just one last thing on a related note. So I’m going to Bali for this holiday I’ve been taking this probiotic for the last 4 days called “Saccharomyces Cerevisiae (Boulardii).5 billion CFU (Colony Forming Units) (Organisms).” The thing is every time I find I have a probiotic I get an acne flare up on my face just a lot of pimples that come overnight after first taking the tablet along with excess gas as well. Can this be a side effect of this particular strain or with my current stomach issues could it possibly indicate something like SIBO? I’ve gone through numerous tests including gastroscopys, colonoscopy, stool tests, blood tests which came out clear but could SIBO be a possibility?
Brief Answer:
Follow up answer.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for follow up,
There are a number of strains of probiotic and there are possibilities that your body might be allergic to particular strain you are on.As you are not responding well to saccharomyces switch over to lactobacillus strain.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)-So if there would be an over growth of bacteria's in your intestine your stool test would reflect it.
Just change the probiotic.
Hope i was helpful,
Wish you happy holidays ahead!
Follow up answer.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for follow up,
There are a number of strains of probiotic and there are possibilities that your body might be allergic to particular strain you are on.As you are not responding well to saccharomyces switch over to lactobacillus strain.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)-So if there would be an over growth of bacteria's in your intestine your stool test would reflect it.
Just change the probiotic.
Hope i was helpful,
Wish you happy holidays ahead!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Brief Answer:
Follow up answer.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for follow up,
There are a number of strains of probiotic and there are possibilities that your body might be allergic to particular strain you are on.As you are not responding well to saccharomyces switch over to lactobacillus strain.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)-So if there would be an over growth of bacteria's in your intestine your stool test would reflect it.
Just change the probiotic.
Hope i was helpful,
Wish you happy holidays ahead!
Follow up answer.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for follow up,
There are a number of strains of probiotic and there are possibilities that your body might be allergic to particular strain you are on.As you are not responding well to saccharomyces switch over to lactobacillus strain.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)-So if there would be an over growth of bacteria's in your intestine your stool test would reflect it.
Just change the probiotic.
Hope i was helpful,
Wish you happy holidays ahead!
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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