Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Not-so-white patches on the chest

Hi.. I had recently posted a question about IGH (http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Dermatology/Idiopathic-guttate-hypomelanosis-or-vitiligo/show/2084492#post_9877332). I have been very conscious about these white spots and have been consistently been watching my body. While taking showers I noticed that there are patches, blotches that are lighter in shade than my normal skin, on my chest. The patches are symmetrical around my nipples and in order to confirm, I shaved my chest. My doubts were confirmed. the skin is indeed lighter in blotches/patches. They are not completely white. I am a dark skinned individual and the patches are a shade or two lighter than my skin. My mother says those patches have always been there, even when I was born. However, I noticed them only now. I noticed that I could see similar patches in some photographs of 2-3 years ago. However, hair obscures the details. Are these birth marks/vitiligo/or some anomaly? Are those IGH-looking spots vitiligo too? I am sorry for the lengthy question..
Best Answer
Avatar universal
Nevus depigmentosus or nevus achromicus are all similar and can make one get worried abt vitiligo.
7 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Thank you,...That is really reassuring..
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Nevus anaemicus is a look alike and seen from childhood.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Maatson.. The thing is, these patches seem to have existed for decades, according to my mother.. And I noticed them in a few pictures I have taken a couple of years ago. Only, they seem larger now..
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Possibly Tinea versicolor (yeast) but do not see any vitiligo there!
Cheers.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The fact that it is not white gives me a bit of hope. But when I looked at older pics, these patches look larger..
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
This question is again for you. I am so grateful to you.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Dermatology Community

Top Dermatology Answerers
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn to identify and prevent bites from summer’s most common pests.
Doctors argue for legislation to curb this dangerous teen trend in the latest Missouri Medicine report.
10 ways to keep your skin healthy all winter long
How to get rid of lumpy fat on your arms, hips, thighs and bottom
Diet “do’s” and “don’ts” for healthy, radiant skin.
Images of rashes caused by common skin conditions