Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Red Spots With White Circles On Lower Legs, Ankles And Chin. Itching. What Could It Be?
Question: I have red spots with white circles around them. They are itchy. What could it be
The majority of them are on my lower legs and ankles, although I have a couple under my chin.
The majority of them are on my lower legs and ankles, although I have a couple under my chin.
Hello and thank you for your question.
Your question is a good one and I will work on providing you with some information and recommendations.
From what you have described it sounds like what you may be dealing with is a fungal infection of the skin.
Fungal infections of the skin can happen from time to time on the arms and legs as well as on the chest and back or even the face.
Generally these areas respond very well to a good topical antifungal medication such as clotrimazole. This is a medication which is usually available over-the-counter at the pharmacy. Sometimes a prescription maybe necessary and your doctor may be able to provide you with that.
On some occasions there can be some difficulty in the areas resolving with just the topical antifungal. In those cases a combination of antifungal as well as steroid cream may be an option.
You might help me a little bit more if you are able to take a picture of the affected areas and send them as an attachment to an email to the following email address : YYYY@YYYY . I can then review the image and make additional recommendations if necessary.
I thank you again for submitting your question. I hope you found my response to be helpful and informative. If you have additional concerns I would be happy to discuss those with you as well.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert
Your question is a good one and I will work on providing you with some information and recommendations.
From what you have described it sounds like what you may be dealing with is a fungal infection of the skin.
Fungal infections of the skin can happen from time to time on the arms and legs as well as on the chest and back or even the face.
Generally these areas respond very well to a good topical antifungal medication such as clotrimazole. This is a medication which is usually available over-the-counter at the pharmacy. Sometimes a prescription maybe necessary and your doctor may be able to provide you with that.
On some occasions there can be some difficulty in the areas resolving with just the topical antifungal. In those cases a combination of antifungal as well as steroid cream may be an option.
You might help me a little bit more if you are able to take a picture of the affected areas and send them as an attachment to an email to the following email address : YYYY@YYYY . I can then review the image and make additional recommendations if necessary.
I thank you again for submitting your question. I hope you found my response to be helpful and informative. If you have additional concerns I would be happy to discuss those with you as well.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dear Doctor. Thank you for your reply . I have attached 2 rather close up pictures of a few of the spots (in two different places on my leg) for your kind further consideration.
Thank you.
XXXXXXX
Thank you.
XXXXXXX
Hello and thank you for your follow-up XXXXXXX and also thank you for catching the two pictures.
I am still convinced that what we may be dealing with here is a mild fungal infection. I think the topical clotrimazole cream may be the best starting point for you. I would obtain that and apply it twice-daily for about 10 to 14 days. Another possible remedy would be Litrisone cream. This cream has both clotrimazole as well as a mild steroid medication. This is a cream which must be obtained via a prescription.
I would have to say that if a trial of one or both of these topical remedies does not improve your symptoms completely it may be necessary to visit with a dermatologist for a closer examination. The dermatologist may recommend some type of alternative remedy. Sometimes a tiny biopsy will really help the dermatologist with a final diagnosis if it gets to the point where you need to visit one.
Thank you again for submitting your question. It has it been a pleasure discussing your health concern. If you have any additional points to discuss I would be happy to address those here with you as well.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert
I am still convinced that what we may be dealing with here is a mild fungal infection. I think the topical clotrimazole cream may be the best starting point for you. I would obtain that and apply it twice-daily for about 10 to 14 days. Another possible remedy would be Litrisone cream. This cream has both clotrimazole as well as a mild steroid medication. This is a cream which must be obtained via a prescription.
I would have to say that if a trial of one or both of these topical remedies does not improve your symptoms completely it may be necessary to visit with a dermatologist for a closer examination. The dermatologist may recommend some type of alternative remedy. Sometimes a tiny biopsy will really help the dermatologist with a final diagnosis if it gets to the point where you need to visit one.
Thank you again for submitting your question. It has it been a pleasure discussing your health concern. If you have any additional points to discuss I would be happy to address those here with you as well.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
