White blotches on top of my forearm

[marcusd300]

Hi, I am a white male but I have 3 - 4 random size circular white patches from 5mm to 10 under the skin on the top of my forearm they are like pigments, they are randomly scattered, it also looks like there is a very tiny red spot or broken vein in the centre of them. They seem to be getting more noticible and few more appearing.

I would appreciate any feedback as to whether it could be serious or not.

Thanks

Neil

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Without examination,confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but it can be pityriasis versicolor,pityriasis alba or vitiligo.

Pityriasis versicolor is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast fungus and are found mainly on sun exposed areas. Pityriasis alba is a common hypopigmented dermatitis that is a self-limited disorder that usually resolves by adulthood.Severe cases may benefit by Psoralen plus ultraviolet light A photochemotherapy (PUVA).

Vitiligo also causes pale, white patches to develop on the skin. This is because that particular area of skin has little or none of a type of pigment called melanin.

In my opinion,a consultation of a dermatologist will be the best as treatment modalities for all three are different.

Hope it helps.take care and pls do keep me posted if you have any additional queries.