spot on chest

I have a spot on my chest. I got it last year and it lasted for a couple of months. It went away and it is now back again. I got it after being in the sun for a four week period.

The spot is red and it is sensitive when you touch it.

I am worried because it is the exact same spot, in the exact same place as last year.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be due to 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.

Treatment involves topical and oral antifungal medicines. Try using Selsun blue shampoo on the rash or 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 rash persists then it will be best to get it evaluated from a dermatologist.

I hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.