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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Dry And Non Itchy Patches On The Chest?

I have dry reddish/pink non itchy patches on my chest and I dont know what it is. They get darker or more red after I shower with hot water. They cause no discomfort, but iIwant to know what it might be and if there is anything I can do to get rid of it. Thank you for your help.
Mon, 4 Jan 2016
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Dermatologist 's  Response
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

Red to pink colored, dry, asymptomatic patches on chest suggests to me a possibility of pityriasis versicolor.
P. versicolor is a superficial fungal infection of skin caused by malasezia furfur and presents as dry, red, brown scaly patches on chest, upper back, shoulders, proximal arms.
All these areas are rich in sebaceous glands and this fungus feeds on oil produced by these glands.
I suggest a Wet preparation Or KOH examination under the microscope by scraping a small amount of scale from the surface of lesions.
KOH preparation would reveal fungal elements, classically known as "shagetti and meat ball appearance" which is characteristic of P. versicolor.
Treatment is with either topical Or oral antifungals and the patches usually resolve in about 2 weeks.
I suggest that you visit a dermatologist for a confirmatory diagnosis and appropriate prescription.

Regards
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Dermatologist Dr. Ilyas Patel's  Response
Hi,

It seems that probably the lesions you have may be tinea versicolor. There may be nonitchy mild scaly reddish,blackish or whitish patches. It is a superficial fungal infection caused by fungus..melassazia furfur. You consult dermatologist for the firm diagnosis.

I would suggest...

- antifungal tablet like ketoconazole 200 mg daily for few weeks
- antifungal cream like ketoconazole
- shampooing the scalp with ketoconazole
- avoid soap at bath

Have patience for the good result.

Thanks..

Dr. Ilyas Patel MD
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What Causes Dry And Non Itchy Patches On The Chest?

Hello. Thank you for writing to us Red to pink colored, dry, asymptomatic patches on chest suggests to me a possibility of pityriasis versicolor. P. versicolor is a superficial fungal infection of skin caused by malasezia furfur and presents as dry, red, brown scaly patches on chest, upper back, shoulders, proximal arms. All these areas are rich in sebaceous glands and this fungus feeds on oil produced by these glands. I suggest a Wet preparation Or KOH examination under the microscope by scraping a small amount of scale from the surface of lesions. KOH preparation would reveal fungal elements, classically known as shagetti and meat ball appearance which is characteristic of P. versicolor. Treatment is with either topical Or oral antifungals and the patches usually resolve in about 2 weeks. I suggest that you visit a dermatologist for a confirmatory diagnosis and appropriate prescription. Regards