Child Has Square Dark Patch On Back With Flu Like Symptoms. Cause?

Posted on Sat, 21 Sep 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 21 Sep 2013 Answered on

Mon, 14 Oct 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I've just noticed a square dark patch on my child's back, she's also had flu like symptoms for a few days. Any ideas?

Answered by Dr. Polash Sannigrahi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please upload a picture of the patch

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXX,

Thanks for your query.

The dark patch on the back can be due to:
1. Localized skin hyper-pigmentation
2. Vascular malformation
3. Fungal infection
4. Studies have also shown certain skin conditions like Dermatitis herpetiformis, allergic diseases, psoriasis, etc. to be associated with gluten intolerance. And in your history, you have mentioned about your child having intolerance to dairy and gluten.

The flu symptoms & patch over the back do not seem to be co-related.

Since you have noticed the patch now, please let us know if there are any associated symptoms like itching, pain or loss of sensation over the patch?
And also if there are similar patches in other part of the body?

If possible, please upload a picture of the patch.
It will be helpful for us to give a better probable diagnosis.

Wishing your child a Good Health.
Let me know if I need to clarify further.
Thanks & take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad