Facial discoloration problem!

[eightiesfanjan]

Hi, so I'm in my teen years and I have these facial blotches mostly across my cheeks. The spots are light and show random patterns. I've been to the dermatologist and the only thing she did was suggest sunscreen. Then my mother, acting like she really knows what's going on, has forced me to put on this cream, biocortone that has 0.05% clobetasol, a corticosteroid used against autoimmune diseases. I also had to take these Ketoconazole pills for about 10 days consecutively that is used for fungi? Point being, both of these options haven't worked because using the former option actually made my face worse. As for the latter, it had no affect. But when I applied facial moisturizer over a prolonged period of time, my face looked healthier and the patches were less noticeable. I want to know the cause of the skin discoloration specifically. Is it really caused by a fungus or bacteria? Or just simply the sun?

[timandlillie]

my wife has what she thinks is dirt in her pores i think it looks like freckles all over her body. she will sut  for hours trying to get the (dirt)out. all she ultimatly does is make sores every where. please help

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
In children it is common to find pityriasis alba instead of pityriasis versicolor for facial discoloration. Pityriasis alba is a common skin condition mostly occurring in children and usually seen as dry, fine-scaled, pale patches on the face.

No treatment is required and the patches in time will settle in due course of time. The redness, scale and itch if present may be managed with simple emollients and sometimes hydrocortisone, a weak steroid, is also used. Severe cases may require PUVA therapy.
If the diagnosis has been confirmed as pityriasis versicolor by a dermatologist then treatment involves topical and oral antifungal medicines which should be used after prescription.

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