Strange Scaly Red Patch

[Faunn]

Three weeks ago I noticed a small scaly patch with isolated redness on my upper arm, close to the groove where the arm meets the shoulder. I figured it was merely dry skin with the hot and humid weather, put lotion on it, and thought nothing of it. It didn't go away, and my husband took a look at it. We both looked up pictures of what it could be, and it looked very similar to Dermatophytosis (ringworm). We tried treating it with a fungal medication called Ketoconazole. Dead skin started peeling a bit over time, and it seemed to be getting better and now it's not so scaly. After a week or so, the redness spread about 1/2 an inch around the spot, but the scaly spot remained the same size (about the size of a dime). This condition doesn't hurt me, but the fact it's not going away is bothering me. I've switched to putting Cortaid and will watch it in the next few days. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Faunn]

Update: I had started dabbing witch hazel on the site for the past few days, followed by Cortaid. The scaly patch is now smooth and the redness around it is fading, still a bit scaly, and slightly peeling at the touch. I'm starting to think it's getting better, whatever it was. :)

[Faunn]

Here is a link to a picture of the current progression of the scaly patch:

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i300/nightdaughter1/skin.jpg

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms the possibility of intertrigo needs to be ruled out. Keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical zinc oxide cream like Sudocrem, Desitin are very helpful(apply with a paper towel and not directly with hands). For the itching please take some over the counter antihistaminic like benadryl or Claritin. In case the symptoms persist then antifungals may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.