Tinea Versicolor?

[tdbabe06]

Over the summer I was tanning at the beach and noticed I had splotches of skin that wasn't tanning.  I went to the doctor and was told it was Tinea Versicolor. I took the pill as instructed and was told that itd be cleared up once all my skin was equal in color and I lost my tan. It's been 8 months now and the white splotches are still there and also my skin where the splotches appear are very dry and require lotion. Is it possible I was misdiagnosed and have another condition? Any ideas? Thank you.

[tdbabe06]

Thank you so much!! I'll have it checked out next week when I'm home for Spring Break!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Although from the symptoms it sounds like tinea versicolor,but other possibilities that need evaluation are pityriasis rosea,discoid eczema,psoriasis and vitiligo.

Pityriasis rosea is a common human skin disease which presents as numerous patches of pink or red oval rash. The rash may be accompanied by low-grade headache, fever, nausea and fatigue and sometimes by itching. Rash of pityriasis is usually harmless and goes away on its own.In some cases of uncontrollable itching,oral and local steroids can be used.

I feel that you should get it evaluated from a dermatologist. Treatment can be started only after confirmation of diagnosis.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.