A younger patient was unable to find the time to schedule an appointment with the doctor with their active lifestyle, but still was concerned about the splotching that had developed on their abdomen.  In the time the issue was left untreated, continued, the patient had read about Vitiligo a hereditary disease where T-cells attack the pigment cells in the skin—creating blotchy patches of noticeably lighter skin primarily beginning on the face.   The patient incorrectly diagnosed their condition thinking it was not a fungus.

Rather, it was in fact an infectious fungus, known as tinea veriscolor which left untreated ran rampant across the skin of the patient but had been relatively undetected give the patient’s skin tone.  Tinea Veriscolor  commonly happens to active individuals who might encounter the fungus at the pool or gym.  When simply spraying the foot with a common over-the-counter athlete’s foot remedy, the cultured fungus erupted into a full-blown allergic reaction that covered the individual head-to-toe.

In any other situation, the weekend spent in skin-irritated embarrassment could have been avoided without false diagnosis and early-detection.  Additionally, there would have been no need for the prednisone and ketoconazole that had to be prescribed.  We at West Houston Dermatology strive to give you accurate information so you might stay informed about your condition, but remember that a qualified diagnosis from the doctor is always the most accurate, so please schedule a consultation for clinical dermatology consultation.