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Conditions and Diseases > Skin Forum > Diagnosing and treating fungal skin infections
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Q: Diagnosing and treating fungal skin infections
asked by: DoctorQuestion on October 9th, 2009
hey doc,
Ive got white spots all over my arms and back, it seems to get worse if i get a lot of sun, but ive been to my doctor and they all say the same thing - its a skin fungus, and they send me on my way. ive used just about every soap or cream or rub in treatment known to man and it just doesn't work! im wondering if it cud be a skin pigmentation or some kind of skin dieseas or something like that. after a while (and out of the sun) it starts to fade (not completely though) but then returns in the same way. i swim alot (in pools and in the sea) i work out doors aswell, wat do you rekon?


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Dr. Goce Aleksovski , MD
replied on October 12th, 2009
Skin Answer A7517
It is hard to say what the white spots, all over the arms and back, are without seeing them.


Fungal skin infection is a possibility considering that swim in pools. It is easily diagnosed by taking a swab from the affected place on the skin for microscopic examination. The fungal skin infections differ in appearance depending on the type of the fungus that caused them. In many cases, changes in skin pigmentation might be present.


The skin changes are associated with edges that are more red (because of inflammation) than the surrounding skin. Itching might be present, too.
The white spots might be due to pigmentation problems. One suggested condition is vitiligo. Vitiligo is a chronic disorder that causes dispigmentation in patches of skin.


Skin patches might become more visible after sun tanning, because melanin (the skin pigment) is not produced enough in the affected skin patch.


You might want to visit a dermatologist where adequate treatment might be recommended. Exposure to UVB narrowband light is one of the treatment options that might significantly help you. Just consult with a dermatologist.




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