why now ?

I'm 41 and developed white patches on my face and under arms five years ago . Please help

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

It is difficult to make a diagnois without examination,but some possibilities are there.First,it can be lichenification of the skin due to atopic dermatitis.

Second,it can be pityrisis alba or pityrisis versicolor. This is characterized by hypopigmented, round to oval, scaling patches on the face, upper arms, neck, or shoulders. Pityriasis versicolor is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast fungus and are found mainly on sun exposed areas.

Thirdly,it can be vitiligo.It is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) in the skin are destroyed. As a result, white patches appear on the skin in different parts of the body.

Treatment is different for all three.So I feel that an evaluation by a dermatologist will help in confirming a diagnosis. Diagnosis can be confirmed by external examination, blood tests to check skin cell count  for melanocytes and biopsy of the skin patches.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing.Kind regards.

[jimmy311]

I'm sorry , I went to see a derm. , ane he stated that it is vitiligo . He also said he could not do anything for me and gave me some cream and singed me off . I wasted my time with him .I work in a medical center and my buds , who are also ER MD's told me it is vitiligo . I rather not use my center for this problem . Thank you for your advice . please keep in-touch