white skin spots

I just noticed lighter colored spots on my neck area mostly in front where sun shines above shirt area, about pencil erasor size , they were not there last year, what could this be? Also some on both fore arms I see them best under water, any thing to worry about?  Thanks

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi ,

How old are you?

Differentials for white colored lesions will be pityriasis alba and pityriasis or tinea versicolor. Pityriasis alba occurs in young persons and may rarely occur among those greater than 25 years of age. They may present as white dry areas over the cheeks and arms. The lesions (allow me to call them lesions) are not well demarcated.

Pityriasis versicolor on the other hand may present as well demarcated white patches over the chest , back and shoulders. This is due to a fungal infection. They may have very fine scales and a microscopic evaluation of the scales may help define the diagnosis.

This does not sound urgent. However, I suggest that you have this assessed by your physician so that you may be given medications .Fungal infections may be readily transmitted to others and to other parts of the body. So avoid sharing towels and keep the body clean and dry always.