White Spots - Tinea Versicolor or Vitiligo?

[Eleximp224]

Hey all,
I have had Tinea Versicolor(white/pink spots) for about 4 years on/off on my back/chest/stomach/upper arms/shoulders.  Every summer, I would treat it with Selenium Sulfide 2.5% Topical Cream for a week and after being out in the sun, my skin would quickly go back to an even color.

This past summer I didn't go through the treatment because I didn't get any spots, however this fall I started to see the spots again, including spots on my forearms as well.  I used the cream for 2 weeks and have been waiting for my skin to clear up.  

Since I am not out in the sun in the winter, do I have to wait longer for the spots to disappear? --or could I also have developed vitiligo on my forearms?

[Eleximp224]

Thank You very much for your help...I am hoping it is simply the pityriasis versicolor only.  

Another thing I noticed about the spots on my forearms (maybe my back too, I just didn't see it), is that they turn pink when i workout (and my skin gets hot and I sweat), then return back to white when my skin is back to a normal temperature.

I am going to a warmer place for vacation in a few weeks, so hopefully I will know, since the sun usually makes my skin an even color, but I will keep you posted.

Thanks again for the help!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms and areas of involvement it sounds like pityriasis versicolor only. It 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.
So you should continue with the topical antifungals and if the symptoms persist then please consult a dermatologist as you may need oral antifungals also.

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.