What Causes White Patches On The Biceps Area?

Posted on Fri, 21 Oct 2016

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

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 Answered on

Thu, 10 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : HI. I have some white patchiness on the skin around my anterior elbow/biceps area . It started last March and has spread a bit. I have some of the same to my other arm area which began recently. Tonight when rushing around at work I noticed the areas were purpleish in color. What can this be?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can be vitiligo, upload pictures

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at healthcaremagic
According to your complaints it can be vitiligo but I would recommend you to upload the pictures of the affected areas so that I can have a clearer picture of the condition and can guide you accordingly.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. REMY KOSHY

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (7 hours later)

Here are some pics from last night when i was runnin around at work and the areas became purpleish. I am a fair skinned red headed person. They are usually pale white. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Looks like pityriasis versicolor, terbinafine cream twice daily

Detailed Answer:
I have reviewed the attached photographs and it is looking like pityriasis versicolor.
It is a superficial fungal infection of the skin.
If I was your treating doctor I would recommend you to apply topical antifungal like terbinafine cream on the affected areas twice daily for 3-4 weeks.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)

Can I purchase the cream over the counter? Or do I need a prescription? Thank you for your help.

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Should be available over the counter

Detailed Answer:
I think it should be available over the counter.

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. Yogesh D