I have dark blotchy patches on my stomach and back. Is this something to be concerned about?

Hello skin experts!

I have noticed lately some discolorations on my stomach and back. they seem to be dark bronze patches that look like giraffe spots. I remember having something like this when i was a teen and was treated with some meds and then remembering it going away. Any idea of what this could be and how to treat it? Thanks!

Mar

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms are suggestive of pityriasis rosea. Pityriasis rosea is a common human skin disease which presents as numerous patches of pink or red oval rash. The rash may be accompanied by low-grade headache, fever, nausea and fatigue and sometimes by itching.

No treatment is usually required. In most patients, the condition lasts only a matter of weeks or months(upto six months). For severe cases, topical and oral steroids are needed. Water, sweat, and soap may cause irritation and should be avoided in the disease. Topical zinc oxide and calamine lotion are useful for pruritus.

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.