Tinea versicolor

My 8 year old son developed four white patches on his cheek.This occurred a month ago once we were out in the sun (with sunscreen on). His doctor prescribed Ketoconazole cream but this has shown no improvement. Any thoughts? Thank you.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
In young children pityriasis alba is more common than pityriasis versicolor. Pityriasis alba is a common hypopigmented dermatitis and presents as a flaky, hypopigmented, patchy dermatitis with fine scales involving the face and, at times, the neck and shoulders.

This is a self-limited disorder that usually resolves by adulthood. Severe cases may benefit by Psoralen plus ultraviolet light A photochemotherapy (PUVA).

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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.