Could Light Marks On The Leg Be A Sign Of Vitiligo?

Posted on Fri, 13 Jul 2018

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

Fri, 13 Jul 2018 Answered on

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : My daughter is 11 years old. 2 months and 10 days back we had been to Beaches and water park. Since then we see 2 white/light marks on her leg and we were worried it could be Vitiligo.

One of the Doctor said that it could be pre-vitiligo. The white mark on the leg remained same since over 2 months. one of the Dermatology Nurse practitioner said that it is not a sign of Vitiligo.

Can you please look at the attached images and let us know if it could be a sign of vitiligo or is it some thing else? why is the white/light color not getting off to normal ?

My wife started Vitiligo since last 3 years.

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possibly Tinea Versicolor

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Since there is a history of being in warm moist environments before the onset of the lesion, tinea versicolor (which is a fungal infection) is an important consideration.

Tinea versicolor and vitiligo can be very difficult to differentiate at times. Since there is a positive family history of vitiligo, it is very important to get a microscopic evaluation of skin scrapings done to confirm whether or not it is a fungal infection.

If the fungal infection (tinea) is confirmed, treatment is with topical antifungal agents like Clotrimazole (Lotrimin).

Hope this answers your question. Please let me know if you need further clarification.
Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (4 hours later)

Doctor,
Thanks so much for your response.
We did not have dermatology appointment until November. If it is the "Tinea Versicolor" , is it okay to be without treatment until November or should we request for emergency appointment ?

and if it is Vitiligo , do you think the skin color remains same since over 2 months ? we do not see the skin getting lighter/darker since over 2 months.

do you suggest some home remedies or over-the-counter medications as we do not have Dermatology appointment until November ?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please see the details below

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

You can follow up with her primary care provider or pediatrician to get the skin scraping test done to confirm or rule out the Tinea infection. No need to wait for the dermatology appointment.

Vitiligo can remain the same (in terms of color and size) for many years.

You can apply over the counter Lotrimin ointment to the area twice daily for 2 weeks. If tinea infection, the lesion will start clearing up.

Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee