Pigment change

On my upper back there have been some sploches of extreme white that appeared about 4 years ago, since then the sploches have grown in size and now are about triple the size of what they used to be.  I have no idea what this is.  Can you explain what this could possibly be?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

Are there other signs or symptoms present? This could be tinea versicolor, a relatively common skin infection caused by the fungus which presents with patches of discolored skin with sharp borders and fine scales that sometimes coalesce. The patches are often dark reddish-tan in color and skin may appear lighter than surrounding healthy skin. There may be associated mild itching or increased sweating. The most common sites are the back, underarms, upper arms, chest, and neck. The condition is most common in adolescents and is associated with hot climates. Diagnosis is through skin scraping and subsequent examination under a microscope. Treatment consists of anti-fungal medicines. If condition persists, it is best to see your doctor for further evaluation and management. This link may be of help: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinea_versicolor
Take care and keep us posted.