Sudden tan colored spots

[darker82]

This morning i woke up and noticed out of the blue, there were 5 or 6 tan/pinkish colored spots on my upper abdomen and chest.   They are from 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter and i have no idea what they are, i dont go tanning or anything, if anything i have the standard farmers tshirt tan.  

Other information- i work general residential constuction so i im around metal, wood, cleaning and constructions chemicals ect.

Thankyou

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

A consult with your primary physician for a complete physical examination may help. A microscopic evaluation of skin scrapings from the patches may help exclude any fungal infection.

Pinkish or tan colored spots on the skin have fungal infections like tinea versicolor as differentials. Other differentials will be a contact dermatitis ,vitiligo and pityriasis alba. The last two may not fit your case. Vitiligo is a condition which manifests as a stark white and well demarcated skin patch . Pityriasis alba usually affects the face and may also appear as light skin patches.

Have this assessed by a physician. If this is tinea, this will readily resolve with topical antifungal creams.

[darker82]

only a little difference in color in the center, no scaling they look almost like mostly healed cigarette burns but without the scab

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,


A differential that I can think of here is tinea versicolor which is a fungal infection. This may thrive in areas that are usually exposed to damp and sweat. This does not sound very urgent but given that you have exposure to heat, dust and other elements,it is necessary that you have this assessed.

Tinea versicolor may present with a mild central clearing with fine scales at the center of the spots.

Is this true in you case?

Is there any associated itching?