Skin Pigmentation

[KariLeigh12]

First of all, I would like to say that this website is an EXCELLENT idea.
I'm currently on a waitlist to see a dermatologist in October of this year (2008); I was put on the waitlist in February of this year, and I'm already tired of waiting!
I first noticed a small, purple-ish, raised oval of skin on my right foot when I was probably six years old. I was told it was ringworm, and to use medicine so that it would go away. I used the medicine, and being that nothing happened and I was a frustrating child, left the problem alone, as it did not seem to be life-threatening. I went back to the doctor ten years later, when I was sixteen, because patch of skin has grown from a circle (about the size of a toonie,) to a large patch about 3 cm by 2 cm which has a different texture than the rest of my skin - rather than being smooth, it has many lines and looks dry. The dermatologist also told me that I appeared to have the same thing on my right thigh as well - something I previously thought to be a birthmark. Furthermore, she told me that her daughter had the same thing, and not to worry about it - there was nothing I could do albeit have steriods injected into my foot which would not cure the problem, only lessen the appearance of it. I am trying to go back again because the patch has gotten even bigger - I don't care if she says it's not dangerous, but from my little knowledge of the big scope of medicine, things such as this that are "benign" do not grow. Being that the doctors have been wrong twice, I beg to differ. (Unfortunately where I'm from we don't have many dermatologists and I have to see the same one again.) Any ideas as to what this might be?? I appreciate any input.

[KariLeigh12]

Thank you for your input!

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

A differential in your case will be lichen planus, lichen sclerosis, psoriasis, and a dermatitis. Itchiness being absent may help exclude lichen planus and a dermatitis. However, they may still be considered .

Lichen slerosus usually involves the genitalia.However,they may also appear in other parts of the body.When they occur in other parts of the body ,they may be less itchy and more manageable in terms of therapy. The lesions of lichen sclerosus may be white and patchy.Other lichenoid skin disease may present with violaceous or reddish spots, bumps or elevated plaques.

A psoriatic lesion may present with white plaques that may easily scale and bleed.It is best to know your diagnosis .Ask your primary physician about this.The differentials I have given should not alarm you as these are only differentials and given very limited information may not be your case.Your physician is the best person to guide you.

[KariLeigh12]

It is reddish/violaceous, the lines are not coloured, but do make the skin textured. The lesion does not bleed, have scales, or itch. And I was given a possible diagnosis, but I cannot remember what it is. I know that does not help much. But it is on my right foot as well as my right thigh. The lesion on my thigh does not have the qualities that the one on my foot does; however, it is reddish and disfigured.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

You have noted this lesion since you were small.

Is this patch discolored? You have mentioned that it is pigmented. If this is so, what color is it?Is it reddish, bluish or violaceous?

You have also mentioned of lines.Are these lines white lines ?

Does the lesion bleed or do they easily bleed?

Do the patches have scales and do they itch ?

You have had several consultations before , did any of your physicians mentioned of any probable diagnosis for your condition?