what are these white spots on my skin?

[hb85]

I recently noticed some small, round flat white spots on my upper back, shoulders and the top of my chest since i've been more tan this summer.  I asked a doctor during a checkup what they might be and she said they were vitiligo without taking too close of a look.  i think/hope this is a misdiagnosis.  i've seen pictures of what can happen and i'm pretty scared.  my spots are pinkish in color and seem to have a slight shine to them in the light.  they are all pretty isolated.  i'm not sure what is meant by symmetrical, but i don't think the spots are the same on either shoulder - a few on my right shoulder and hardly any noticeable ones on my left.  though they are not scaly, i have occasionally noticed itchyness, esp in the area around my neck and upper back when i'm hot and sweaty.  i live in california, and it is boiling and humid right now.  that's why i'm hoping this is tinea versicolor rather than something more serious.  i also recently did yoga on an unwashed mat and wondered if this could have caused the problem.  The general area where they are located seems to be sort of red, and I think I noticed some slightly brown spots as well.  perhaps a rash?  any info would be greatly appreciated, as i'm fairly upset and my doctor was less than sympathetic.  she also stated that she had it and showed me her arm, but her skin looked nothing like mine.  it looked more like age spots and freckles.  I'm in the process of getting a derm appointment, but here in california they're hard to come by soon.  Please help!
~hannah

[kizzybuf]

i hav these spot on my skin they turn white when i dont cream my skin and at present they are black what could it be? it started on my hand and nw its going to my back.

[thirdkidney]

When I was your age, I, too, had white spots that started on my face, went down my shoulders and back, and onto my arms.  When the weather was fairly dry, they were just white spots.  When it was humid and I got sweaty, the white spots raised up and turned into a big, collective, itchy red patch.  

My pediatrician was perplexed at first and I don't know what he diagnosed it as but he suggested that I buy Selsun Blue Shampoo (it had just come on the market in the 1970's).  He told me to apply it to my skin and wash it off several hours later and then reapply more.  In around 3 weeks it was totally gone.    The only residual I have left after all these years is a very small nickle size red patch on my chest between my breasts.  If I get hot and sweaty, it will raise up and become more apparent, otherwise it's like a whitish patch when dry.

Check with your doctor before applying Selsun Blue; I think it could be more of a fungal type of thing going on.

[jessicapatricia]

I am 15 and I noticed white spots on my upper back, shoulders, and my upper chest. Also they are moving down my arms now. I have not gotten them checked out and I'm wondering what they could be.

[muaaz]

Take care about tanning by tanning bed because in tanning beds you have to suffer more intense radiation for a short period of time. it may  risk to skin cancer.

[hb85]

Thanks so much for your input.  I have a feeling you're right, and I feel more relaxed about it either way now.  I have a derm appointment tomorrow, so we'll see.  Thanks again!
~Hannah

[cashwoman]

Hello! I was diagnosed with Vitiligo at 16 (now I am 26)and at first they thought it might be tinea versicolor. To me, it sounds like you have tinea versicolor. It is distinguished by small circular white patches and it is commonly located on chest, back and shoulders. It usually lasts around 2months but can be contracted multiple times. This is all per my past doctor and friends whom do have tinea versicolor... My friends and I where recommended creams and or to soak/smear medicated Selson Blue shampoo for dandruff on your body and let sit for at least 5 minutes a day since tinea versicolor and dandruff are from fungus. Vitiligo usually is not small circular patches but is usually large unsymetrical patches. I was told that the tinea versicolor is usually airborne and if you have air filters in your home you should change them out, by lysol for your house and clean all fabrics thoroughly. I hope this helps you in some way!

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

There could be several causes of these white spots. It would be best to consult your doctor with your parents to find out the cause in your case and plan the further management accordingly.

Some of the perceived causes are emotional stress, hereditary factors, worms, sunburns and physical illness. This skin condition can be aggravated due to diseases like hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, pernicious anemia and Addison's disease.

Fungal infections of the human body are very common, and are often quite bothersome. One such example is a condition known as tinea versicolor, a superficial yeast infection that produces white spots on the skin that are difficult to remove.

You should talk to your doctor and rule out the above causes.

Let us know if you need any other information.

Regards.