scaling patches

im 20 years old male , and i workout everyday.

i have 3 small  patches on my upper  back, they were mild itchy, mild scaly, discolored patches (White), i   started to apply head and shoulders shampoo to the area for 3 days, then  the scaling subside, 2 days after i stopped the treatment the scaling came back only on the patches, the areas feel rough to the touch.

what can this be?

thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These white patches can be due to seborrheic dermatitis, eczema or pityriasis rosea. Pityriasis rosea is a common human skin disease which presents as numerous patches of pink or red oval rash. The rash may be accompanied by low-grade headache, fever, nausea and fatigue and itching. Topical and oral steroids are needed. Water, sweat, and soap may cause irritation and should be avoided in the disease. Topical zinc oxide and calamine lotion are useful for pruritus.

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.