Small, round, non-itching dry patches on legs?

[SkinConcerned]

Hi, I first noticed a small, roundish dry patch on the outside of my right calf a few months ago. It does not itch or otherwise bother me in any way, so I ignored it, and it seems to have subsided slightly. Now I have a second one on the inside of my left thigh! I have just been putting bag balm on them to keep them moisturized; now they no longer appear dry, but I can tell where they are because the skin there is slightly raised. After I shower, they appear pinker. What could they be? I can't really afford a doctor right now, especially for something non-life-threatening, but I don't want these weird dry patches multiplying even more. Possibly could it be ringworm? There is no clearly defined 'ring,' but they are round. Help!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Without examination,confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but it can be pityriasis rosea, discoid eczema ,ringworm or psoriasis.

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)

If the rash persists then it will be best to get it evaluated from a dermatologist.Other possibilities have to be ruled out then.

I hope that helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.