I have a small rash that itches on my face. It had originally looked like a ring worm my husband thought. It never made a complete circle but it did get a little discolored in the middle. I have not treated it with anything and I have had about 1 month. I am in the sun alot. Any suggestions?
Hello. Thank you for writing to USI suggest a possibility of either Tina facial Or a Polymorphic light eruption/ POLE. Fungal infections have a typical morphology i.e. peripheral expanding, raised, red and scaly rim and central clearing. The ring may be partial or complete.POLE may present as an eruption of red bumps or patches over sun exposed skin. The lesions in POLE are usually itchy but lack a characteristic ring shaped morphology of fungal infections. However, it may be difficult to distinguish Tina from POLE on clinical examination. Confirmation of diagnosis would require a clinical examination and may also require a lab test, if doubtful. KOH wet preparation made by scraping a small amount of scale can be examined under the microscope to look for fungal elements. Treatment would be guided by the diagnosis. Fungal infection would require topical antifungals with or without Oral antifungals whereas a light eruption would respond to sun protection along with topical steroids. An OTC oral antihistamine e.g. cetirizine 10 mg once daily will provide symptomatic relief from itching. I suggest that you visit a dermatologist for a confirmatory diagnosis as well as for the needful. Regards