What Causes Irregular Brownish Red Patches On Skin?

Posted on Wed, 1 Jul 2015

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

Wed, 1 Jul 2015 Answered on

Wed, 22 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a rash or hives show up at a loss I thought maybe being summer time it was just scars showing up from getting little darker. They don't seem to spread but can't figure out what these are. I'm on no medacation and use no drugs no have.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly upload a few Images

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query and I understand that you are concerned about these rashes.

However, I request you to upload a few clear digital Images so that I am able to guide you better.

You may upload an Image either at "Reports Section"

Or else

You may mail me images at YYYY@YYYY with the subject line of this mail as Attn:Dr. Kakkar

Also let me know whether the rash is itchy? Is it dry, scaly?

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (12 minutes later)

I have attached a picture as you requst

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Pityriasis versicolor

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Thank you I have reviewed the Image. I can make out irregular, brownish-red patches.

This seems like a superficial fungal infection i.e pityriasis versicolor. It is a yeast infection, caused by Malssezia furfur.

Infection can be confirmed by KOH preparation made by scraping a small amount of scale and visualized under the microscope for fungal elements.

In my patients with Pityriasis versicolor I usually suggest an Oral antifungal i.e Tab fluconazole 400 mg, single dose. Single dose is curative.
Oral flucoanzole is a prescription drug and therefore I suggest that you talk to your doctor for the needful.

Topically you may use an antifungal cream e.g ketoconazole 25 cream (Nizral cream), twice daily for 2 weeks.

Regards

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