White Patches On Face

[coolerhand]

I am 20 years old and have begun to develope some white patches on areas of my face and even some areas where hair used to grow (mustache/beard/outer edge of eye-brows)

I have only seen a family doctor and am being referred to a dermatologist which I will see in Februrary.

However the white patches are continoulsy coming up, and I am begining to get worried. I am positive it is not vitilogo, as was my doctor. I have a cousin with vitilogo and know what that my white patches are lighter and different.

The family doctor thinks it may be pityriasis alba, but I looked it up online and it seems more of a rash scaley skin, but my skin is not really like that.

What could this be? How would you treat it? Please help, I'm scared because it seems to be progessing fast (a new spot each day).

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it looks like tinea versicolor and not vitiligo. Diagnosis of vitiligo can be confirmed by external examination, blood tests to check skin cell count for melanocytes and biopsy of the skin patches.
You can get these tests done from a dermatologist.

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.

[coolerhand]

The patches on my skin are flat, and are not scaly. Could it still be Tienea Versicolor?

Also, they appear to be worse on my face and hands. I also have not been in the sun for the most part. What else could this be?

Thank you for your help Doctor, it is much appreicated.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Firstly, it can be due to tinea versicolor. Tinea versicolor is caused by a fungus that lives in the skin of almost all adults. Factors that can cause the fungus to become more visible include high humidity and immune or hormone abnormalities. Treatment involves topical and oral antifungal medicines.

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.