Help!!

[hans920]

Hi,

I have a skin discoloration problem.. A few years ago I had tineaversicolor (little red patches that eventually disappeared and left white patches behind)

I treated this with lots of zinc ointment and eventually it went away. However, when I returned to colder climate, my tan went away and only the skin around my neck and chest area remained slightly tanned. I should mention it is often dry.

Now I have returned to a warm climate. Initially the rest of my body caught up with the slightly darker area and now it it has surpassed it so the area that looked darker is now lighter. It just wont tan or lose colour.

The edges are well defined, and it is a sort of V shape. Is there a home remedy for this or must I see a doctor? And could it be too much zinc that caused this?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to pityriasis versicolor or post inflammatory hypopigmentation. Both of them are entirely different. Post inflammatory hypopigmentation is very difficult to treat but sometimes it goes away on its own after exposure to the sun. Creams like Elidel cream or Protropic can be used. But first of all the diagnosis needs to be confirmed from a dermatologist after physical examination.

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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[maatson]

A sunscreen should help if the V is just below the neck on the exposed area.(Photodermatoses) Zinc in creme or paste is inert.