weird scaly mark on body
 

hi. i have a weird mark that appeared on my body, like my ribcage, under my breast. it looks as though its a cut/scab that was healing - you know in its final stages and it goes kind of skin colored and scaly? except because of its location i know it wasnt previously a cut.

im 19 and im terrified its something serious... first stage of skin cancer :( i have mild eczema on my elbows and knees and general sensitive skin to soapy products/fake tan etc. but its just in such a weird position and also it is such a small area, about 3/4 of an inch so if it was an allergic reaction to something wouldnt my whole body be covered?

i would go to my doctor but i dont have one right now and i am in the middle of registering with a new one so theres no one i can ask at the minute!

any suggestions to what it may be?

Re: weird scaly mark on body
 

anyone....?

Re: weird scaly mark on body
 

Sounds like tinea versicolor, it's a harmless overgrowth of yeast on the skin. :) Here in Florida they're called sun spots because they tend to bleach white in the sunshine.

Get some dandruff shampoo (not tar shampoo) and use it like a bodywash. You could just treat that one spot if you want.


Here's an info page on Tinea infections.
[url]http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tineainfections.html[/url]

Re: weird scaly mark on body
 

thanks! can it spread about your skin or anything? x

Re: weird scaly mark on body
 

Yes, which is why I'd recommend using an anti dandruff shampoo as a body wash just to be thorough.

You don't really have to worry about clothing or bedding, normal cleaning should take care of it. You may want to bleach your towels regularly if they tend to stay damp for any length of time and are then reused.


Ringworm is often caught from pets, if you have any they may need an antifungal shampoo too. (you can buy it at pet stores)