HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Brown And Silky Patches In The Underarms?

default
Posted on Fri, 20 Jun 2014
Question: I have brown, silky patches on my skin under arms. Can that be anything serious? What can be the cause? What should I do to get rid of them?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Pityriasis Versicolor

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic

I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your query and I have understood it. I have also looked at the pictures

I would like keep a possibility of Pityriasis Versicolor, which is a superficial fungal infection caused by a yeast Malassezia Furfur, characterized by variably colored patches of brawny scaling and post-inflammatory hypopigmentation.

This infection is common on the chest, shoulder, back as these areas are rich in sebaceous glands on whose secretions the yeast feeds upon. The infection is common in hot humid conditions.

Treatment is single oral dose of an antifungal e.g Fluconazole 400 mg.

OR

Apply a 2% Ketoconazole shampoo over the affected area during bath, lather it well, leave on for 5 minutes, once daily for 5 days

The patches resolve leaving behind post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, which may persist for a few weeks post treatment but would eventually resolve.

Hope this helps

Regards
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Brown And Silky Patches In The Underarms?

Brief Answer: Pityriasis Versicolor Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your query and I have understood it. I have also looked at the pictures I would like keep a possibility of Pityriasis Versicolor, which is a superficial fungal infection caused by a yeast Malassezia Furfur, characterized by variably colored patches of brawny scaling and post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. This infection is common on the chest, shoulder, back as these areas are rich in sebaceous glands on whose secretions the yeast feeds upon. The infection is common in hot humid conditions. Treatment is single oral dose of an antifungal e.g Fluconazole 400 mg. OR Apply a 2% Ketoconazole shampoo over the affected area during bath, lather it well, leave on for 5 minutes, once daily for 5 days The patches resolve leaving behind post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, which may persist for a few weeks post treatment but would eventually resolve. Hope this helps Regards