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What Do Light Skin Patches On Thighs Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 29 Sep 2014

Question: My 5 yrs old daughter has lighter colored patches on the back of her thighs. They are lighter in the center and they fade into the skin around the edges. We visit the swimming pool often and we all have darker skin complexion. I am concerned whether she has vitiligo or pityriasis XXXXXXX What's the best way to tell one from the other. Would appreciate some opinion and advice.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
contact dermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query and photograph.
It you see carefully both the patched are symmetrical.
This type of presentation is unlikely in p XXXXXXX The patches are not totally depigmented so they cannot be called vitiligo now.
The most probable diagnosis is contact dermatitis or atopic dermatitis.
Apply a strong steroid cream like clobetasol for 15 days and see the results.
Let me know it you have any other doubts.
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (1 hour later)

Also please note that the size of both areas started smaller yet aligned. It happened as my daughter started attending swimming lessons at a new swimming pool 4 months ago. Also note that both areas were itchy in the beginning. We noticed that similar patches yet not at light were spread around her thigh yet they seem to have gotten milder and some have actually disappeared with the application of a mild cortisone crime which we stopped after we advised to avoid cortisone based crimes at an early age. I hope this provides more clues to your diagnosis. Please advise?I have added a close up photo.Also please note that the size of both areas started smaller yet aligned. It happened as my daughter started attending swimming lessons at a new swimming pool 4 months ago. Also note that both areas were itchy in the beginning. We noticed that similar patches yet not at light were spread around her thigh yet they seem to have gotten milder and some have actually disappeared with the application of a mild cortisone crime which we stopped after we advised to avoid cortisone based crimes at an early age. I hope this provides more clues to your diagnosis. Please advise?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (26 hours later)

Brief Answer:
atopic dermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the follow up.
The close up picture almost confirms it to be atopic dermatitis.
You were doing a correct thing by applying cortisone.
Although it is steroid but can be used for a short period of 15 days. It will greatly help her.
Don't worry regarding vitiligo. It is not that.
Best Will be to apply cortisone in night and coconut oil in day for 15 days and then continue with coconut oil only. Swimming pool water has chemicals and can cause atopic dermatitis. Better try to avoid or try changing swimming pool.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you

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