White splotches on upper torso

I need to know what this is. I have pictures of it. There are white splotches on the shoulders, upper back and upper chest. Mostly a round shape, flat to the skin. They are most visable when the skin is red after shower or sun exposure. They have been there minimally for a few years but this year they have spread about a foot down the chest and more scattered on the back.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These white dots can be due to tinea versicolor. Tinea versicolor 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.

Selenium sulphide lotion can be applied for around 10-15 minutes, rinsed off and re-applied daily for about a week. It is less messy and preferably easy to use than the Selsun and Ketoconazole shampoos which needs to applied on the patches of affected skin after an evening bath, left to dry the whole night and washed off the next morning.

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.

[John198101]

Thank you so much for this! I will do what is recommended. Thanks again!