Skin problem

[Teresana41]

My neice has a discolored patch on her back right above the right buttock. It is sunken in apperance and has no pigmentation.  when pressed it seems to be sore...Any clue what this might be...i've advised her to see a doctor but she's inbetween medical insurance right now.

[Teresana41]

Thanks...no other signes or symptoms...the area doesn't look or feel scaly...but it is concave and is white as in no pigmentation.  I noticed it while we were at the beach this weekend and it really stood out...it almost resembles a flower in the pattern...in a circular pattern and could see definition in areas throughout...what bothered me is that everthing underneath her skin in that location seems to be (I hesitate to say eaten away) but her skin is sunken in that area so not sure how else to discribe it. there is no redness or itching or any symptoms except for the discoloration and the sunken apperance...thanks for your reply.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

Are there other signs or symptoms present? This could be tinea versicolor, a relatively common skin infection caused by the fungus Pityrosporum ovale which presents with  patches of discolored skin with sharp borders and fine scales. The patches are often dark reddish-tan in color and skin may appear lighter than surrounding healthy skin.
There may be associated mild itching or increased sweating. The most common sites are the back, underarms, upper arms, chest, and neck. The condition is most common in adolescents and is associated with hot climates. Diagnosis is through skin scraping and subsequent examination under a microscope. Treatment consists of anti-fungal medicines such as clotrimazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole applied to the skin. If the condition persists, it is best to see your doctor for further evaluation and management. This link may be of help:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinea_versicolor
Take care and keep us posted.