Have Had Circular Rashes On Thigh. Any Ideas?

Posted on Fri, 5 Oct 2012

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

Fri, 5 Oct 2012 Answered on

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a perfect though broken circle on my right thigh (3 inches in diameter) which appeared two days ago and seems to be disappearing now. No rash inside or outside, no XXXXXXX in the center. No other symptoms. Feeling great other than this strange XXXXXXX Any ideas?

Answered by Dr. Timothy Raichle (2 hours later)

Hello, I would be happy to help.

While this might represent something as simple as "ringworm". Based on the picture that you sent, this would most likely fit. It is technically known as "tinea" and is a yeast infection.

Treatment would begin in most cases with topical clotrimazole cream which you can buy over the counter and apply to the area 2-3 times per day. If it does not clear in a couple of days, then contact your doctor to be seen.

I hope this helps and good luck!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Timothy Raichle (20 hours later)

seems to be disappearing on it's own - much fainter this morning - not necessary to do anything more if it goes away on its own, right?

Answered by Dr. Timothy Raichle (35 hours later)

That is correct. I would not worry about it. The ONLY thing that might be of concern is if there was even the slightest chance that this was the site of a tick bite. While this did NOT look like the "target lesion" sometimes seen with Lyme disease, it would be a consideration if you have been exposed to the outdoors / ticks.

Good luck.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar