White patches that turn red when exposed to sun?

Well i have these white patches specifically on my chest, arms, and a strip of skin at the top of my cheeks and nose. They're not painful but when I'm exposed to sunlight (i'm not too sure if thats the exact cause but basically when i'm outdoors in the heat/sun) they kinda "rise up" and turn reddish and i feel a very slight burning sensation. They look like hives basically. I had this once before, about 2 years ago and also in the summer. I went to the doctor and she really didn't tell me anything and just gave me itching cream that was kinda useless... They disappeared own their own after a couple of months without the use of the itching cream i was given but now they're back and worse! I have very oily skin and I sweat.. A LOT, if that contributes to anything.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms are suggestive of pityriasis versicolor. It is caused by a fungus that lives in the skin of almost all adults. Factors that can cause the fungus to become more visible include high humidity and immune or hormone abnormalities.Treatment involves topical and oral antifungal medicines.
Most cases respond to over-the-counter products, which contain any of several basic ingredients: miconazole, tolnaftate, terbinafine,ketaconazole and clotrimazole.You can consult a pharmacist and get any cream or lotion containing these ingredients.

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