White spots on my skin

[jbennett0909]

Hi everyone,
  I have a question regarding white spots on my skin. About 4 months ago I used a tanning bed on about 6 or 7 occasions, and decided to stop using them for obvious reasons.

I noticed that after using them I had about 2 white spots on my stomach. I didn't think much of this and just thought the skin had pealed or something, and it faded as my tan dissapeared. However 4 months on and I've been working in the garden without my top on, and i've got a bit of a tan in the process. However i've now noticed that the 2 spots have shown up again along with several others.

I suppose there is roughly 10 spots, a couple are rabout 1/4 inch, and the rest are just very small ones, all in one area on the right hand side of my stomach.

Does anyone know what this might be and how I can resolve the situation. I've heard on the internet that it may be some sort of fungus that can be cured with anti-dandruff shampoo.

Please refer to the attached photo to see the issue. Thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms and picture are suggestive of pityriasis versicolor. 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.

Most cases of fungal infection 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. Some of them are Lamisil, Monistat derm, Mycelex, and Nizoral.If the symptoms persist then please consult a dermatologist.

I hope that helps. Take care and regards.

[jbennett0909]

Oh and 1 other point to mention. The spots don't itch.