patches on arm,hand waisted and foot

Question

round patches like ringworm appears on various body parts..but that is not wring worm ..it's not ichy..spreading day by day ..what is the reason for this and what is treatment...I can share photos if you want to see

Dr. Neeraj Agarwal · Accepted Answer

It sounds like you're describing something that could be a type of skin condition, and while it may look like ringworm, if it's not itchy, there are a few other possibilities to consider. Since it's spreading and not itchy, some potential causes could include:

1. **Pityriasis Rosea:** A common skin condition that often begins with a single large patch followed by smaller patches. It typically isn’t itchy, and the patches can spread over time. It tends to resolve on its own within a few weeks to months.
  
2. **Tinea Versicolor:** Although it's a type of fungal infection like ringworm, it typically doesn’t cause itching and can appear as round, discolored patches, often lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. It can spread and often recurs.

3. **Eczema or Dermatitis:** Sometimes, eczema or certain types of dermatitis can present as patches on the skin that can spread. These can occasionally be non-itchy and may appear in a round shape.

4. **Nummular Dermatitis:** This is a type of eczema that presents as circular patches of dry skin, and while it often itches, it can also appear non-itchy at times.

5. **Psoriasis:** In some cases, psoriasis can cause round or oval patches to form on the skin, which may spread over time. While it’s often itchy, it can sometimes appear with minimal or no itching.

It’s essential to get a proper diagnosis to determine the exact cause. If the patches are spreading and persistent, I would recommend seeing a dermatologist who can examine the patches more closely and possibly take a skin sample for testing if needed.

Dr. Shaikh Fawaaz Lateef · Answer

Hello 
Kindly send the image once.

Dr. Alan Reji · Answer

Yes, please do share photos—it will help me better understand the pattern and narrow down the cause. From your description—round, ringworm-like patches that are not itchy but spreading—this could be a condition like pityriasis rosea, tinea corporis (even if not itchy), nummular eczema, or even mild psoriasis. Sometimes fungal infections do not itch initially, especially in people with less sensitive skin, so it's important not to rule them out just yet. Another possibility is a form of autoimmune or inflammatory dermatitis, especially if you’ve had recent stress, infections, or new products applied to your skin.

For now, avoid using steroid creams without proper diagnosis—they can worsen some conditions. If you can, apply a mild antifungal cream like Luliconazole 1% (Lulibet or Lulifin) twice a day on the patches while we figure this out. Wash clothes and bedsheets regularly in hot water and avoid sharing towels. Once I see the photo, I can tell you more confidently what it is and suggest a clearer treatment plan. You're doing the right thing by addressing it early.

Dr. Mayuri Kakoti · Answer

Dear Pranav,

I understand your concern about the round patches spreading on your body. Since they look like ringworm but are not itchy, other possibilities include tinea corporis (a fungal infection without itching), pityriasis rosea, eczema, or another skin condition. The fact that they are increasing suggests an underlying issue that needs evaluation.

Without seeing the lesions, it’s difficult to confirm a diagnosis, but you can try the following:
	1.	Keep the Skin Dry and Clean – Avoid excessive sweating and wear loose, cotton clothes. Fungal infections and some other skin conditions worsen in humid conditions.
	2.	Use an Antifungal Cream (If It’s Fungal) – Even if there’s no itching, you can apply Luliconazole or Terbinafine cream twice a day for two weeks to see if there’s improvement.
	3.	Moisturize If Skin Is Dry – If the patches appear dry and flaky, use a fragrance-free moisturizer like Cetaphil or Bioderma.
	4.	Avoid Scratching or Using Harsh Soaps – Mild cleansers like Dove Sensitive or Cetaphil will help prevent irritation.
	5.	Monitor for Any Other Symptoms – If you notice redness, scaling, or other changes, take note of them for your doctor.

Since the patches are spreading, I strongly recommend consulting a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis. If you’d like, you can share photos with your doctor for better assessment. A skin scraping test might be needed to check if it’s fungal, bacterial, or another condition.

patches on arm,hand waisted and foot - #9467

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