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Have Red Rings On Upper Arm. No Itching Or Burning. Cure?

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Posted on Fri, 23 Aug 2013
Question: Hello, yesterday I discovered 2 perfectly symmetrical red rings on my skin. One on each upperarm close to my schouders on the same place. So even the placement is symmetrical! At first I thought they might have been caused by clothing, but I haven't worn anything that could cause these marks.
They do not itch or burn and do not veel raised to the skin. I tried to upload a picture, but the upload seems to take forever.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kalpana Pathak (1 hour later)
Hi,
From the description provided, it could be fungal infection , granuloma annulare, annular psoriasis, pityriasis rosea, erythema annulare centrifugum, urticaria etc.
The diagnosis can only be confirmed by seeing the lesions.
If having problem in uploading the image, you may email a clear image of both the lesions to YYYY@YYYY and mention ATTN Dr KAlpana Pathak in subject line.
Hoping to hear from you soon.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Kalpana Pathak (7 hours later)
Dear dr. I sent an image through email I hope it'll help
Kind regards, XXXX
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Follow up: Dr. Kalpana Pathak (11 minutes later)
Dear Dr. Pathak,

Thank you for your response. I have attached 2 pictures one of each lesion.
As you can see the placement of the 'rings' on both arms is very symmetrical.
Which is why at first I thought it was thee result of something physically pressing and leaving a XXXXXXX on my skin.
But as I said in my previous message. I did not wear anything to account for the lesions.
The one on the right arm/shoulder is slightly darker.
I hope the images help.

Kind Regards,
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kalpana Pathak (28 hours later)
Hi XXXX,
Firstly please accept my apologies for the delayed response. I had some problems in accessing the images attached and hence the delay. I just saw the images but unfortunately the pics attached are quite small in size and on enlarging the same, the concerned lesion gets magnified and distorted. However from what I could make out, ringworm seems to be a plausible cause. I would like to know
If the lesions appeared abruptly
If the lesions are waxing and waning
if the lesions are scaly- if yes scale covers the whole lesion or present only at edges
If lesions non itchy or itchy
if lesions flat to skin surface or raised beyond it.
Answer these queries and if possible please attach better resolution and good size pics.

If it is a fungal infection application of clotrimazole or terbinafine cream would help.
Take care


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Kalpana Pathak (20 hours later)
Hello Dr. Pathak,

I'm sorry for the small images. They must have been unintentionally resized during the processing of the e-mail. The lesions are dissipating. Only the first and most visible one on the right arm is slightly visible. The other one is almost invisible. Here the answer to your questions:
If the lesions appeared abruptly - yes they apperead XXXXXXX abruptly.
If the lesions are waxing and waning - they are waning and ar almost gone now.
if the lesions are scaly- if yes scale covers the whole lesion or present only at edges - no, they are not scaly at all.
If lesions non itchy or itchy - no I never felt them. I only knew they were there because I could see them.
if lesions flat to skin surface or raised beyond it. - they were completely flat.
Answer these queries and if possible please attach better resolution and good size pics.
I will resend the pictures I took by email, because the originals are clear and of a good resolution. I will take extra care for them not to be resized during the process.

Thank you for your response.
Kind regards,
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kalpana Pathak (14 hours later)
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing to us.
Lesions occuring abruptly and waning in a short course of time since onset points towards allergic/ urticarial nature of rashes. Simple application of calamine lotion mixed with a mild steroid cream along with intake of oral antihistamine should help these resolve fast.
Sometimes urticarial rashes or insect bite induced rashes or rashes due to an particular food may just present with redness without any itch.
Hope that answered your query.
Wish you speedy recovery.
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
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Dr. Kalpana Pathak

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2014 Questions

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Have Red Rings On Upper Arm. No Itching Or Burning. Cure?

Hi,
From the description provided, it could be fungal infection , granuloma annulare, annular psoriasis, pityriasis rosea, erythema annulare centrifugum, urticaria etc.
The diagnosis can only be confirmed by seeing the lesions.
If having problem in uploading the image, you may email a clear image of both the lesions to YYYY@YYYY and mention ATTN Dr KAlpana Pathak in subject line.
Hoping to hear from you soon.