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Suggest Treatment For Fungal Infection On Skin
Question: What could this be? I've had it for a few months now on my back. I have another patch like this on my back. It does not not itch. No other symptoms. It gets worse with heat.
Brief Answer:
Mild superficial fungal infection easily treated
Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
I note your anxiety & have viewed the photograph attached.
It does appear from your lack of itch & the duration & the clinical appearance that you possibly have a mild common fungal infection afflicting your skin called Pityriasis Versicolor.
It is easily addressed as the fungus is superficial & simple scrubbing with a towel after bathing will help dislodge the active elements.
Please do try the application of a topical 2% ketoconazole stay on lotion that you could even get over the counter applied twice daily for 1-2 weeks.
You should be rid of the infection in 1 week or so but it may take a few weeks for the discolouration to get back to normal.
I would have recommended a single dose of 400mg Fluconazole but think it would be prudent that if you desire any oral therapy to visit a dermatologist nearest you, do a skin scraping , make pucca the presence of the fungus & then take any oral medication as it will require a prescription.
To put things in a nut-shell, go with the topical therapy suggested & ensure all your fomites/undergarments/shirts/blouses et al are washed in hot water tinse & dried well in sunlight to prevent recurrences & avoid use of damp clothing as sweat & damp clothing predispose to this mild infection.
Trust this has answered your query promptly, precisely & given you a clear action plan.
Good Luck & wish you a clear skin soon!
Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD
Mild superficial fungal infection easily treated
Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
I note your anxiety & have viewed the photograph attached.
It does appear from your lack of itch & the duration & the clinical appearance that you possibly have a mild common fungal infection afflicting your skin called Pityriasis Versicolor.
It is easily addressed as the fungus is superficial & simple scrubbing with a towel after bathing will help dislodge the active elements.
Please do try the application of a topical 2% ketoconazole stay on lotion that you could even get over the counter applied twice daily for 1-2 weeks.
You should be rid of the infection in 1 week or so but it may take a few weeks for the discolouration to get back to normal.
I would have recommended a single dose of 400mg Fluconazole but think it would be prudent that if you desire any oral therapy to visit a dermatologist nearest you, do a skin scraping , make pucca the presence of the fungus & then take any oral medication as it will require a prescription.
To put things in a nut-shell, go with the topical therapy suggested & ensure all your fomites/undergarments/shirts/blouses et al are washed in hot water tinse & dried well in sunlight to prevent recurrences & avoid use of damp clothing as sweat & damp clothing predispose to this mild infection.
Trust this has answered your query promptly, precisely & given you a clear action plan.
Good Luck & wish you a clear skin soon!
Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD
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. Prasad
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