Is this fungal?

Hi, a friend of mine recently sent me a picture of  an irregularly shaped, hypopigmented patch on the left side of his chin of several months now. He is asymptomatic, and the lesion doesn't seem to be growing or spreading. He applied an antifungal cream for 3 days but there was no effect. Is it possible that it is still a fungus but is not spreading, nor pruritic? Or is it more likely that it is contact dermatitis and the redness seen on some parts of the lesion could be from irritation brought about by shaving? Or could this be entirely something else?  thank you very much for your help.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It looks like pityriasis versicolor to me. 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.
Most cases respond to over-the-counter products, which contain any of several basic ingredients: miconazole, tolnaftate, terbinafine,ketaconazole and clotrimazole. You can consult a pharmacist and get any cream or lotion containing these ingredients.

If the symptoms persist then get it evaluated from a dermatologist.
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.