scaley skin patch

[dlj5875]

I have a small scaley patch of skin at the bottom of my spine right above my buttocks.  It is shaped a little like a hear and is a bit darker than my other skin.  The scaling comes and goes.  It does not itch nor does it hurt.  In fact I would have not know it was there is I hadn't felt it.  It this something I should be concerned about or will it go away on its on and should I be putting cream on it or just leave it alone.  

[dlj5875]

Thanks for your response.  The place is there, but sometimes it gets a little better, it has not gotten any worse or any bigger.  I don't think I'm going to worry too much about it unless it does.  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be due to dry skin, chafing or friction rub, contact dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis. Psoriasis is a long-term (chronic) skin problem that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in thick, white, silvery, or red patches of skin.It is thought that psoriasis occurs when the immune system overreacts, causing inflammation and flaking of skin.

apply a lubricant like petroleum jelly and wear wear 100% cotton fabric against your skin and clothing that is free of moisture, dried sweat, chemicals, dirt and other debris. Also apply calamine lotion on the skin. If the symptoms are severe then please apply a mild steroid cream on the rash after consulting a dermatologist and getting it prescribed.

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.