What is this on my neck and under my breast?

Question

I have a rash or fungus of some type that only appears in these areas. I didn't develop this until after the tanning bed. I have a friend who had it that is black though and he told me to use head and shoulders. This worked only for a short time. It gets worse during summer, but always itches and is there even in winter just not as visible. If I could just gets some possible diagnosis I will research myself. Thanks.

Is a yeast infection on those areas possible? EWWW

By the way I have had this for three years. Just worse some years.

Answer 1

Ah you have the dreaded Tinea Versicolor. I had it for many years and I used Nizoral from time to time and it finally got rid of it. Also try taking Acidophilous(I think that's how you spell it). it helps to build your immune system against yeast that is affecting your skin. Clean all your clothes and bed sheets. You can also get lamisil spray from your doctor or buy the prescription pills.

Tinea versicolor or pityriasis versicolor is a common skin infection caused by the yeast Malassezia furfur (formerly termed Pityrosporum ovale). This yeast is normally found on the human skin and only becomes troublesome under certain circumstances, such as a warm and humid environment. It is occasionally referred to by its colloquial Hawaiian moniker, "haole rot".

The symptoms of this condition include:

* Generally oval or irregularly-shaped spots of 1/4 to 1 inch in diameter, often merging together to form a larger patch
* Occasional fine scaling of the skin producing a very superficial ash-like scale
* Pale, dark tan, or pink in color, with a reddish undertone that can darken when the patient is overheated, such as in a hot shower or during/after exercise
* Sharp border
* Itching that can worsen with sweating or overheating

These spots commonly affect the back, underarm, upper arm, chest, lower legs, and neck. Occasionally it can also be present on the face. The yeasts can often be seen under the microscope within the lesions and typically have a so called "spaghetti and meat ball appearance" as the round yeasts produce filaments.

In people with dark skin tones, pigmentary changes such as hypopigmentation (loss of color) are common, while in those with lighter skin color, hyperpigmentation (increase in skin color) are more common. These discolorations have led to the term "sun fungus".

[edit] Prevalence

Tinea versicolor is a common condition. It is estimated that 2 to 8% of the population of the United States has it. This skin disease commonly affects adolescents and young adults, especially in warm and humid climates. It is thought that the yeast feeds on skin oils (lipids) as well as dead skin cells.

[edit] Treatment

Treatments for tinea versicolor include:

* Topical antifungal medications - containing either 2.5% selenium sulfide (Selsun shampoo in UK, but not Selsun Blue which contains only 1%) or 2% ketoconazole (Nizoral ointment and shampoo) applied to dry skin and washed off after 10 minutes, repeated daily for 2 weeks. Other topical antifungal agents such as clotrimazole, miconazole or terbinafine are less widely recommended. Additionally, Hydrogen Peroxide has been known to lessen symptoms, and on certain occasions, remove the problem.[citation needed]
* Oral antifungal prescription only medications include 400 mg of ketoconazole or fluconazole in a single dose, or ketoconazole 200 mg daily for 7 days, or itraconazole 400 mg daily for 3-7 days. The single-dose regimens can be made more effective by having the patient exercise 1-2 hours after the dose, to induce sweating. The sweat is allowed to evaporate, and showering is delayed for a day, leaving a film of the medication on the skin.[citation needed]
* Recurrence is common and may be reduced by intermittent application of topical agents (such as tea tree oil) or adding a small amount of anti-dandruff shampoo to water used for bathing.

Answer 2

Have they ever told you what it was? That sounds absolutely horrible. Do you do oatmeal baths? it's really a good thing, and here's a cheap way to do it. Buy regular old, generic brand oatmeal, no flavor, put it in a tube sock and when you are bathing/showering, rub it all over your body, or those places you mentioned. This oatmeal sock is good for about 3 days, after that you'll need to replace it. Also, do this in cool to lukewarm water for best results. I know from allergic reactions (and it's possible this is what you have) that warm to hot water, only causes more itching. If you're having problems keeping yourself from scratching, I know it's odd, but put socks on your hands. Also, have you tried baby powder on the itchy parts? There is the one brand that I swear by, it's called Caldesene. I don't have babies anymore, but I have this on hand always. Also, I saw that a doctor wrote you a prescription, was this a dermatologist? Or a regular doctor? If it was a regular doctor, I would see about talking to a dermatologist. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Sounds like it could be a yeast infection. Try using athletes foot cream, jock itch cream or yeast infection cream (all antifungals and the same) for a few days and if this doesn't take care of it then see your doc.

Answer 4

I would go see your doctor or a skin doctor before you start putting stuff on it not knowing what it is. Unless a doctor answers your question, I'd wait until I saw one.

Answer 5

Maybe ringworm? It's round (looks like a donut), itchy, and you can get it from touching it. The doc can make it go away.

Answer 6

dermatitis?