Pinkish Brown Spots on the Body

Q: I’m a thirteen year old girl and I have these brownish pink spots on my upper back and between my breasts. Some spots are big and small. I seem to get them more and more every month. Is it normal or do I have a skin problem?
-By Hailey

Reply:

No, this is not normal. You seem to have some skin problem.

For an exact diagnosis, it is recommended that you visit a doctor. An actual examination of the lesions is required for it.

Possible Causes:

Tinea Versicolor

It may be a condition called tinea versicolor. This is a fungal infection which occurs on oily surfaces of our body, like the back, chest or sometimes neck, upper thighs.

During teens and early adulthood, the skin produces plenty of oil, making one prone to the growth of such infections.

Do you have any other symptoms like mild itchiness, flakes from over the spots etc.

Symptoms

The condition may be symptomless. The only symptom being the spots, pinkish to brownish in color.

However, some people have a mild itch and flakiness over them.

How Is It Caused?

Our skin surface is covered with many bacteria and fungi all the time. This is natural.

Usually, daily bathing washes away the dead skin cells and many of these bugs on a daily basis. However, in hot humid weather, or over areas of the body which are very oily, this washing is insufficient.

As the fungal population grows and crosses a particular concentration over a body surface, spots start appearing there.

Treatment

Daily bathing with an antifungal soap and shampoo. Do this for around two weeks before you get results. You will notice that the spots are fading and becoming lesser in number.

Sometimes this fungus is very resistant to go. Antifungal medications need to be taken in such cases.

Pityriasis Rosea

This conditions also affects the back, chest or abdomen. Non malignant rashes develop. They are not itchy. However, systemic symptoms like headache, muscle aches etc are often complained of.

The reason behind this condition is not known. The rash goes on its own in 6 to 8 weeks time.

Allergy

You may be allergic to some cloth you are wearing over that region. It is recommended that you wear only breathable cotton brasseries for some time.

Cotton fabric absorbs the extra moisture and oil from the skin surface and helps in recovering from most of the skin problems.

Drug Allergy

Are you taking any medicine, antibiotic etc.

It would be better not to delay and see a doctor soon.

Take Care,

Buddy M.D.