What causes dark discolouration with itchy red spots in elbow pits?

Posted on Tue, 17 May 2016

Question: I have a dark discolouration in both elbow pits. More on one hand. Started with reddish spots and itching. Now turned dark. What could it be?

Acute in onset

Sir I was your student at Rmmch.

Answered by Dr. Kakkar S. (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Lichen simplex chronicus; Use topical mometasone furoate % cream

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am Dr.Kakkar (Dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have also reviewed the Images. I can see pigmented patches with prominent skin markings on cubital fossa, in these images.

I would keep a possibility of Lichen Simplex Chronicus which presents as itchy, dry, hyperpigmented plaques with prominent skin markings.

I suggest you to apply a topical moderately potent steroid cream e.g mometasone furoate % cream (Elocon cream), twice daily for 2 weeks.

You may also take a tablet of cetrizine 10 mg once daily in evening for symptomatic relief from itching.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kakkar S. (21 minutes later)

Sir could it be t.versicolor? I don't have any itching. It's just the discoloured macule

Answered by Dr. Kakkar S. (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
P versicolor is a possibility

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Yes, it could be P versicolor.
You earlier mentioned itching!! Anyways, if it is not itchy then P. versicolor is a very likely possibility. You may apply a topical antifungal cream e.g Nizral 2% cream, twice daily.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar