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Suggest Remedy For Hypopigmented Patches In Underarms And Breast Region
I have question regarding my 30 years old wife, She has developed few white spots and some hypopigmented patches at her underarms and breast regionsince last 4-5 months. We went to a dermetologist, but doctor was confused whether it is fungal infection or vitiligo, so she priscribed fluconazole tablet with mometazone and terbinafine ointment, She apllies ointment regularly but there is no improvement, so what it could be ? Her mother has vitiligo since last 2 years, now covering full body. She also has tendency of leaving white or light colour spot at injury site.
posted on
Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 6 Jan 2015
Answered on
Tue, 6 Jan 2015
Last reviewed on
Hello. Thank you for writing to us at healthcaremagic
The patches of vitiligo are totally white (chalky white) or depigmented whereas a superficial fungal infection in that region usually presents with post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, rather than with depigmentation.
A wood's light examination in a completely dark room can be useful in doubtful cases. A wood's light would accentuate vitiligo patches but not hypopigmented patches due to fungal infection.
As many as 20 % of vitiligo patients have an affected family member, but not everyone in the family gets vitiligo nor it is not a prerequisite to have an affected family member in all patients.
The treatment she was prescribed is antifungal in nature and suggests that the doctor probably thinks that these patches are not vitiliginous.
However, if the patches have not improved with this treatment so far Or are increasing in size and number I would suggest you to seek another appointment with a dermatologist for a review of the skin condition.
Regards
The patches of vitiligo are totally white (chalky white) or depigmented whereas a superficial fungal infection in that region usually presents with post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, rather than with depigmentation.
A wood's light examination in a completely dark room can be useful in doubtful cases. A wood's light would accentuate vitiligo patches but not hypopigmented patches due to fungal infection.
As many as 20 % of vitiligo patients have an affected family member, but not everyone in the family gets vitiligo nor it is not a prerequisite to have an affected family member in all patients.
The treatment she was prescribed is antifungal in nature and suggests that the doctor probably thinks that these patches are not vitiliginous.
However, if the patches have not improved with this treatment so far Or are increasing in size and number I would suggest you to seek another appointment with a dermatologist for a review of the skin condition.
Regards
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