white patches

Hi!
i have white patches on my shoulders,legs and arms.Over 3 years now since its started and its growing over days.I think i got this when i once went to visit a friend at her place.Because there i found everyone having these patches over their whole body.I remember having used their towel there.they looks like tinea corporis patches but they are itchy when i go in the sun.And they seem to be more noticeable while i'm in the sun.can you please help me treat this please?Thank you.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Your symptoms are suggestive of 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.
My sincere advice would be to consult a dermatologist and get this possibility evaluated.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep us posted on how you are doing. Kind regards.

[nur784]

Hello,
    after reading ur reply,i did a searched on the net and found that you are absolutely right.tinea versicolor is EXACTLY what i have over these years.Unfornately i did not look for tinea versicolor on the internet to find out.When i look on the pictures now,thats IT.C'ant u advise me something herbal to rub on it.i prefer these instead of drinking medecines.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Since it is caused due to overgrowth of a fungus, so topical antifungals should suffice. Most cases 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. Selsen or Nizoral are good options.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.