Skin cancer question

[susan_1981]

I wouldn't have worried about this until I watched This Morning the other week and their doctor on there was talking about his skin cancer.  It was on his face and the doctor asked if he had cut himself shaving.  He said no and the doctor said that it was skin cancer in the very early stages.  It was a few weeks ago so I can't remember the exact details but he had what looked like a small cut - that you probably wouldn't even notice - and it was surrounded by a white area.  Well on my arm, I've had a small patch of dry skin that has made that area go quite white.  It stands out when you look at my arm and there are 2 tiny red marks - almost like tiny, tiny cuts.  They are literally a speck of red on the outside of the white area.

Is this something to worry about?  As I said, I wouldn't have thought anything of it if I hadn't watched This Morning.  I had a baby 5 months ago so not sure if it could be a side effect of this.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Unfortunately the picture could not be opened but the mark can be due to pityriasis versicolor. Pityriasis versicolor (Tinea veriscolor) is a fungal infection caused by commensal yeasts in hot and humid conditions. They may be reddish brown, slightly scaly patches or ugly, depigmented areas that will not tan, especially in suntanned skin. They should be differentiated from seborrheic dermatitis and vitiligo.

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.

[susan_1981]

I don't know if this link works but if it does, it's a picture of my arm.

http://imageshack.us/f/405/photo88.JPG/