White Spots on Skin

[Lynne102]

I have had white spots on the bottom of my legs for a few years now, last year they have travelled up to the top of my thighs and on both arms.  I have got about 5 on my back as well, I have read about Selson Blue and Tea Tree Oil and will be trying the oil first.  I have used sunbeds for about 15 years on and off and do like to sit in the sun but the spots are now affecting my tan.  I am not using a sunbed ever again although this may be too late.  Should I go to the doctors or see a dermo?  I dont know what to do, with the selson do you just leave it on for a few hours or overnight?  The spots are small in size and are just white they do not itch at all even if i am in the sun I just dont want anymore to come.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

I cannot confirm anything without examination,but it sounds like pityriasis versicolor.The white patches of pityraisis don’t tan on sun exposure. It is a common skin infection caused by the yeast Malassezia furfur. This skin disease commonly affects adolescents and young adults, especially in warm and humid climates.
Treatment involves topical and oral antifungal medicines.Selsun shampoo(not selsun blue) will be a better idea to start with.

I would suggest an examination by a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Warm regards.

[Lynne102]

Thank you for replying, I will see a dermatologist, but I will try the selsun shampoo.

I will keep you posted, hopefully it is a fungus but I will get it checked out.

Regards.

Lynne102

[boo501]

I started losing skin from my shoulders and know it has started on my back, I also have a few white spots on my legs and stomache, when you touch them it just comes away like flakey skin, what could this be

[BlueEyedBaby]

I had these white spots on my calves for years but I never knew what they were from? Does anyone have an idea of what it may be?