Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Dermatology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
Brown Patches on Skin
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.

Brown Patches on Skin

by HK_Traveler, Jun 15, 2008 11:08PM
Hi,

I’m a 25 year old Caucasian male.  About three weeks ago I noticed on the back of my left hand a large, oblong circular shaped reddish brown patch.  It is 2cm wide by 1cm long.  On that same hand there also appear to be two smaller patches of a lighter reddish brown more in the middle of my hand.  Almost has the appearance of a bruise.  

Then about a few days later I noticed on my right hand, several clusters of what look like freckles on my index, middle, and ring fingers.  They are the same color as the patch on my left, except these are not a single mark but are instead groups of mottled spots.  The freckles are only on the lower portion of the digits, where they meet the hand.  These are again, on the back of my hand.  At the same time I noticed these, I saw an odd shaped patch under my chin (about the size of a quarter), partially obscured by my beard growth.  This is again a reddish brown about the same color as the patches on my hands.

They do not itch and are not oozing or anything nor are they tender.  Recently, it appears some of the ‘freckles’ are becoming scaly… but that is only a few.  I have also observed that the discoloration is much more apparent after I have been in water or just gotten out of a warm shower.  Any thoughts?

by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jun 16, 2008 05:03AM
To: HK_Traveler
Anything that big that comes on that fast is likely to be not a growth but an irritation, perhaps eczema of some sort.  Therefore, nothing to worry about.  I don't know what to make of the freckles.  I think you'll need to see a doctor in person for this one.  Meantime over-the-counter hydrocortisone would be best, applied twice a day.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff
Continue discussion
Expert Activity
National Spinal Health Day
Oct 08 by Adam R. Tanase, D.C.
PAD Awareness Month
Oct 05 by Lee Kirksey, MD
When You Need to Know If You're Pre...
Sep 11 by Elaine Brown, MD
Related Expert Forums