white patch

[sama123]

My 9 year old daughter has gotten a light patch on her upper arm in the past couple months.  Is is cause for concern?  She says it doesn't bother her, and it doesn't usually itch, although this morning she did say it was itching. It seems to have gotten bigger since it began.

[Redlabel23]

i have this kind of white patch at the back of my lower arm.It seems that its spreading. I had noticed this a year ago but i did not mind at all. Now that it is spreading, it makes me concern. Pls help. Im applying nizoral topical cream. will it help? How long will it take to go away?im 27 years old.

[sama123]

Thank you for your help.  After receiving your advice I purchased some anti fungal cream and it seemed to be getting better.  I took my daughter to her pediatrician, and she said that it definitely was a type of fungus and the cream was I was applying was perfect.  She said to apply it twice a day for a month, if it does not go away by then, continue to use it for another month.  She said it was very common in childen.  She did say, that it takes a while for it to clear up, but after a week of applying the cream I had, she said it looked like it was getting better.  If, though, after 2 months, if it seems to linger, she said I should then consider taking her to a dermatoligist.    Thanks again!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Without examination,confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but it can be pityriasis versicolor or pityriasis alba. Pityriasis versicolor is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast fungus and are found mainly on sun exposed areas.Topical antifungals is the mode of treatment.Pityriasis alba is a common hypopigmented dermatitis.This is a self-limited disorder that usually resolves by adulthood.Severe cases may benefit by Psoralen plus ultraviolet light A photochemotherapy (PUVA).

I sincerely suggest you to consult a dermatologist and get it evaluated.

I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how your daughter is doing or if you have any additional doubts. Warm regards.