What Causes White Spots On The Neck?

Posted on Tue, 17 Oct 2017

Question: I have white spots on my neck and these seem to be increasing as I go in sunlight. PFA pics on the neck - whitening patches. Please help me with the cause and possible cure for this. I have been applying HALOVATE Ointment on this as of now.

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Seems to be pityriasis versicolor, please answer a few questions, go for lab test

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at HealthcareMagic,

I have gone through your complaints as well as reviewed the attached photographs.
It seems to be pityriasis versicolor which is a superficial fungal infection of the skin.

I would recommend you to go for potassium hydroxide examination of the scrapings from the affected areas to confirm.

Moreover, are you having any itching, burning or any other complaints on these white areas?
Were they white from the beginning or were they red?
Are these white spots present on any other body sites apart from the neck?

Kindly revert back with the answers.

Regards
Dr Asmeet

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

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (6 hours later)

Thank you Doctor ... please find below the answers to the questions:

Moreover, are you having any itching, burning or any other complaints on these white areas?
- slight itching and burn on the affected areas
Were they white from the beginning or were they red?
- white from the beginning never noticed them as red .. they were white and dry
Are these white spots present on any other body sites apart from the neck?
- on the forearms area on both hands

Would you suggest continuing halovate or any other ointment/medication

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
PMLE or pityriasis versicolor, topical steroid, antihistaminic, sunscreen

Detailed Answer:
According to your complaints it could be either polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) which is an allergic reaction to sunlight or pityriasis versicolor.
I would recommend you to go for potassium hydroxide examination of the scraping to rule of fungal infection.
Meanwhile I would recommend you to take antihistaminic like tablet fexofenadine 180 mg once daily and apply topical steroid like clobetasol propionate cream ( tenovate cream ) on the affected areas twice daily.
Also use a broad spectrum sunscreen on the entire exposed areas like face and forearms every 3-4 hours during the day time.
This should improve the white marks.

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