Dark blotch 2 inches long

[Felix18]

Hi,

A dark blotch (light brown) has appeared that is 2 by 1 inches in size and near my neck. My skin is otherwise quite pale. The blotch is not raised, and has persisted for over a week. It does not itch but rather mainly just looks bad. I have not applied any medication to it.

Any idea what this could be and how best to deal with it?

Thanks.
PS: This is not my only skin problem; I get rashes very easily wherever scraped.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to contact dermatitis, tinea versicolor and if similar patches start appearing on the trunk then pityriasis rosea is an important possibility. I suggest you to get an evaluation done from a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis. Till that time, do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used, whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid which is available under prescription.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[DrEmilyAltman]

What this blotch may be depends on a few things, like does it have a scale or crust.  What is the scale like?  Fine and powdery or ring-like or harder and adherent?  

I there was a rash there previously, this could be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin after the rash has resolved.  This is just a dark patch, no scaling.

Also a yeast infection of the skin can be darker and looks smooth but when scraped lightly has a powdery, fine scale on the surface.

The first patch of pityriasis rosea, a viral rash, can be tan or pink or salmon colored but has a ring of scale just inside the lesion.

There are other rashes that could do this.  I suggest a consultation with a dermatologist to determine what the diagnosis and treatment are.

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