Dark spots on legs after tanning

I have been tanning in tanning beds for several months out of the year for about 8 years now. I know it's bad for me, but I like to be tan. Anyway, just recently I started tanning for the winter months and have been going for about a month now and within the past 2 weeks I have developed dark blotchy spots all over my thighs and calves. They get darker and more abundant the more that I tan. I have never had anything like this happen before except that I have had a large "sun-spot" on my bicep since I was very young. I use a stand up bed so I don't touch any surface that could have a fungus (which I'm pretty sure always shows up as white spots anyway) What could be causing it and should I be concerned? What can I do to get rid of it because it looks gross, like I have leopard spots! :(

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Pityriasis versicolor is one possibility which can present with these symptoms. It is caused by a fungus that lives in the skin of almost all adults. Factors that can cause the fungus to become more visible include high humidity and immune or hormone abnormalities. Treatment involves topical and oral antifungal medicines.

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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Pityriasis versicolor is one possibility which can present with these symptoms. It is caused by a fungus that lives in the skin of almost all adults. Factors that can cause the fungus to become more visible include high humidity and immune or hormone abnormalities. Treatment involves topical and oral antifungal medicines.

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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.