Tanning Spots

[shelley]

I posted a question last week about white spots possibly from tanning in a tanning bed but some of my questions were not answered.  I will try again.  After tanning for about a month, I noticed small round white spots on my stomach, back, parts of my upper arms and inner thighs and on my rear end.  I was told it might be either (a) a skin fungus or (b) that is just the way my skin develops after tanning and possibly a lack of skin pigment.
I tried Selsun Blue, I researched it and that is what everyone is saying to use.  I have tanned in the past either by tanning bed or by laying out in the direct sun light and have never experienced such "Spots".  But, I have been tanning in a tanning bed more often than in the past.  About three times a week for 20 minutes with tanning excelerator with nutmeg as in ingredient.

1. Can I still tan in a tanning bed; will it make the spots worse  and spread and more noticible?
2. Will Selsun Blue really make my skin turn back to normal.
3. What else can I try?

I am a somewhat dark complected white female.  Please help! Shelley

[Tarryn639]

A related discussion, white sun spots was started.

[Spotted in Ohio]

Would someone please post how Selsun Blue should be used?  Thank you

[Christy 4377]

I have been using the generic version of Selsun Blue, but have only used it for the past two days.  I only wash with it with a loofah sponge then rinse it off.  Should I be using it overnight or something.  Rubbing it on like a cream?  I don't really know, I've never been seen by a  Dr. either but I know mine are from tanning beds.  I purchased one and used it in my home for about a month.  That is when they appeared.  I also purchased Lucasol and cleaned my bed when I was done tanning, but not before I got back in the next seesion, so it is possible that dust or something may have been on it so it was not properly disinfected before i got back in.  I really need to know what to use to get rid of them and keep them gone.  After reading some of these comments I am really worried now that they will spread and come back in time.  Lord, tanning is not worth it!  I want my old skin back!!

[sara32]

I have had a fungal infection for approx 4 years now, was 1st perscribed clotrimozole cream which after 3 months of using got rid of it, however a year later it returned WORSE THAN BEFORE. Continued with clotrimozole for approx 5 months and it went. 2 years on and it is reappearing only not as bad thank god! Also have white patches where it does not tan, Doctor has just told me to use Selsun. started with it yesterday, stings like mad and has brought the infection out more really red. will selsun work? does anyone know. I cant cope with this awful skin any more.

[polka dotted]

From polka dotted.  I am a registered nurse and I forgot to mention that the doctors don't tell you much about the organisms such as yeast or fungus that may be causing the problem.  You see I am also dealing with scaly thick skin at the corners of my nose and along my hair line that look greasy.  My dermatologist said it is seborrheic dermatitis.  I researched this and found out dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis is linked to a fungus or yeast overgrowth called Malazzeia something.  Anyway, I think I have some strange thing going on with yeast/fungus.  I just don't get it.  The doctors act like these two conditions with my skin and hair aren't related, but I think they are.  My doctor also did a biopsy of my skin and said she only found that my skin cells were swollen?  Something is up and I'm going to keep praying and find out what this may be.

[polka dotted]

Hi.  I remember washing my hair one evening over 7 years ago and put pantene conditioner on it and fell asleep with the conditioner on my hair.  When I woke the next morning looked in the mirror I saw this large tanned spot covering my entire orbital/left eye area.  I rinsed my eye with warm water and it started burning and stinging badly.  The problem.  I am african american female and I had a large spot covering my left eye that was the color of a caucasion person.  I immediately rinsed the conditioner out of my hair and forgot about it.  I was so caught up and devastated about my face.  No beauty queen even though some people say I remind them of Naomi Campbell.  So imagine my self-esteem now.  Then over the years tan spots started coming up on my arms and legs, back and thighs.  A little on my face.  I never have been in a tanning bed.  Why would I do that?  I'm a black female.  Anyway, the spots on itch a little when I sweat and I do sweat a lot.  I always said I sweat like a mule.  I was so embarrased and angry that this was happening to me.  Dermatologist prescribed steriod ointments but no diagnosis other than hypopigmentation.  I started using dermablend to cover my left eye discoloration.  God decided to have mercy on my and allowed some tanning of my left eye.  But my entire body looks disfigured.  I truly hate it.  I have used Selsun Blue and I gues I should keep using it and keep praying.  I can't imagine taking off my clothes in front of my husband.  I feel so ashamed.  Oh well.  I keep praying that they color over.  Keep praying and putting on the Blue.  I heard tea tree oil may help along with neutrogena extra strenght shampoo with coal tar.