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Original poster

Anyone experienced this with their skin before?! Cancer? Fungal? Something else?

50 replies

Mamachats · 01/03/2024 20:17

Hi! I noticed this on my chest in the last 2 weeks or so. I went to a dermatologist on the 1st of Feb and it wasn't there then so I know it appeared sometime between then and roughly 2 weeks ago. A doctor, nurse and pharmacist have diagnosed it as a fungal infection but after 3 days the treatment doesn't seem to be doing anything significant if at all! I'm worried about squamous cell carcinoma and skin cancer since it feels like it's got a slight depression upon touch. It doesn't seem to have grown in 2 weeks but has potentially gotten lighter. It's not itchy or sore but I have no idea what it could be...

For context last month I had another skin cancer scare for an atypical mole so I do have some knowledge of what to look out for. But this has me baffled...

Thank you from a very worried mama :(

OP posts:
MisterOnions · 01/03/2024 22:39

RobinsInTheTree · 01/03/2024 22:31

You absolutely can have them removed on the NHS as my friend has just done so. She had had it for a number of years without any bother, but then noticed it had started to grow bigger.
She saw her GP who referred her to the dermatology clinic , where it was removed and a biopsy taken and tested. She now has been given the all clear as it was a seborrheic wart.

OP, Yours does look very, very similar to my friends. But the best thing to do is go to your GP and set the ball rolling from there .

Show quote history

Well there must be different policies for different NHS trusts then, because when I saw the dermatologist and he diagnosed it - I asked if it could be removed. Mine has got larger in the last two years - it’s on the side of my cheek under my ear. I was told categorically no - not unless I wanted to pay for it privately as it’s classed as a cosmetic procedure. My hair covers it mostly so I didn’t bother.

CatherinedeBourgh · 01/03/2024 22:43

It looks a bit like what i get when I wear a watch - nickel allergy, maybe?

Antagonishy · 01/03/2024 22:58

Could be an allergy. Some jewellery has a coating to prevent reactions, but it wears off over time and then the metal is in direct contact with your skin. Has happened to me with a couple of favourite necklaces.

mizzblizz · 01/03/2024 23:14

Have a look at pityriasis rosea. I had this a few years ago and it started with a patch very similar to this. Was originally told by GP it was ringworm but it wasn't. I didn't have any of the flu-like symptoms listed on the NHS website, just a small patch like that and then the wider rash followed afterwards

KThnxBye · 01/03/2024 23:23

I literally just finished rubbing anti fungal cream onto the patch on my chest that looks the same as that. It’s the second time I’ve had it in a similar spot. The first time I didn’t think anything of it and ignored it until I read something about fungal infection and realised it might be one. I bought some anti fungal cream and it went away for a good three years so figured that. Now I have another patch same size about an inch from where the first one was. So I’m putting the same cream on and have been for 3-4 days, I’d not expect it to be gone yet. Also get it when I’m very run down and stressed like now so just low immune system I think. But I wouldn’t worry about the fungal cream not being instant op.

Norugratsatall · 01/03/2024 23:36

Well this is opportune as I have something almost identical on my upper arm and have been fretting as to what it might be. It's so difficult to get GP appointments here though.

Soberfutures · 01/03/2024 23:37

What fungal creams have u tried. Have u tried lamasil? Or just clotramazole?

Original poster
Mamachats · 02/03/2024 07:10

IsAWindingRoad · 01/03/2024 22:01

My kid don't have the ring either, just a round patch. Odd place to get it though. Get some Dakacourt. Cures anything.

This is what the doctor prescribed - with steroid element to it? Doesn't seem to be doing anything after 3 days though...

OP posts:
Original poster
Mamachats · 02/03/2024 07:11

KThnxBye · 01/03/2024 23:23

I literally just finished rubbing anti fungal cream onto the patch on my chest that looks the same as that. It’s the second time I’ve had it in a similar spot. The first time I didn’t think anything of it and ignored it until I read something about fungal infection and realised it might be one. I bought some anti fungal cream and it went away for a good three years so figured that. Now I have another patch same size about an inch from where the first one was. So I’m putting the same cream on and have been for 3-4 days, I’d not expect it to be gone yet. Also get it when I’m very run down and stressed like now so just low immune system I think. But I wouldn’t worry about the fungal cream not being instant op.

Thank you! This is really helpful to know. Hope yours clears up soon too!

OP posts:
Original poster
Mamachats · 02/03/2024 07:13

CatherinedeBourgh · 01/03/2024 22:43

It looks a bit like what i get when I wear a watch - nickel allergy, maybe?

Thanks for the suggestion - i do wear a necklace with a pendant that covers that area except it's not itchy or sore in any way...

OP posts:
Original poster
Mamachats · 02/03/2024 07:14

Soberfutures · 01/03/2024 23:37

What fungal creams have u tried. Have u tried lamasil? Or just clotramazole?

Daktacort with a steroid in it I believe... it just doesn't seem to have changed at all in 3 days

OP posts:
DrJump · 02/03/2024 07:20

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lichen-sclerosus/symptoms-causes/syc-20374448

I wonder about lichen sclerosus. It's generally white but can be red. It can occur all over your body.

You can get a punch biopsy to check what it is.

Lichen sclerosus - Symptoms and causes

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lichen-sclerosus/symptoms-causes/syc-20374448

IsAWindingRoad · 02/03/2024 07:22

See what they say about getting some Fuicidin? I have a tube from something years ago and it cures every ailment that arises. But they might get funny as it might be an anti-biotic.

Original poster
Mamachats · 02/03/2024 07:33

DrJump · 02/03/2024 07:20

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lichen-sclerosus/symptoms-causes/syc-20374448

I wonder about lichen sclerosus. It's generally white but can be red. It can occur all over your body.

You can get a punch biopsy to check what it is.

Thanks for the suggestion - it's not itchy at all so this is why I'm questioning the diagnosis. But this is just a single patch on my chest area so it doesn't seem typical with Lichen Sclerosus

OP posts:
HowDoWeDoThisPlease · 02/03/2024 07:33

rileyy · 01/03/2024 21:09

Have you had your cholesterol levels checked recently? My dad had a similar looking mark on his eyelid that ended up being a fatty deposit which the Doctor said can be a common sign of high cholesterol levels. The Doctor checked and the levels were really high. This was less than a year after a previous check that came back normal, so may be worth looking into.

Show quote history

Those type of deposits are generally only around the eye area. They are called Xanthelasma. It would be worth keeping an eye on your own cholesterol levels, as they can be a sign of a familial hypercholesterolaemia.

Soberfutures · 02/03/2024 08:12

Mamachats · 02/03/2024 07:14

Daktacort with a steroid in it I believe... it just doesn't seem to have changed at all in 3 days

Show quote history

Try lamasil as it's a different active ingredient. If it is ringworm or even w different fungal it will help.

Londontown12 · 02/03/2024 09:32

Hi ! I have one currently nearly been 2 years since it appeared I have had it misdiagnosed 5 times by the Drs
I went to private dermatology and she has diagnosed it as Granuloma annulare !
it’s quiet easy to say fungal !
my seem asked me a lot of questions about thyroid diabetes ect and it turns out I have high thyroid antibodies .
maybe have a Google and see if yours is similar x

Londontown12 · 02/03/2024 09:34

Mine does not itch either
1st fungal
2nd lichen planus
3 age spots
4 pigmentation
5 broken calliperies
my 5 misdiagnosed!

Londontown12 · 02/03/2024 09:37

Oh mine was that size when it started it has got bigger ! About the size of a 2 pence piece !
i had one on other arm and its gone so they can go away but it take quiet a while .
im currently waiting on a pouch op for 100% correct diagnosis! X

Original poster
Mamachats · 02/03/2024 13:31

Londontown12 · 02/03/2024 09:32

Hi ! I have one currently nearly been 2 years since it appeared I have had it misdiagnosed 5 times by the Drs
I went to private dermatology and she has diagnosed it as Granuloma annulare !
it’s quiet easy to say fungal !
my seem asked me a lot of questions about thyroid diabetes ect and it turns out I have high thyroid antibodies .
maybe have a Google and see if yours is similar x

Thank you! I'll take a look into this as haven't heard of this before. I went to a local dermatologist today who was fantastic and super helpful! She is pretty sure it's nothing malignant but we will keep an eye on it and see if it changes over the next week or so. :)

OP posts:
Original poster
Mamachats · 02/03/2024 13:34

Londontown12 · 02/03/2024 09:37

Oh mine was that size when it started it has got bigger ! About the size of a 2 pence piece !
i had one on other arm and its gone so they can go away but it take quiet a while .
im currently waiting on a pouch op for 100% correct diagnosis! X

Oh it does look a lot like this doesn't it! Did you have a single patch though? I read it can exist in a single area (less than 10 lesions)...

OP posts:
Londontown12 · 02/03/2024 18:02

Mamachats · 02/03/2024 13:34

Oh it does look a lot like this doesn't it! Did you have a single patch though? I read it can exist in a single area (less than 10 lesions)...

Show quote history

I had 2 one has disappeared but I still have one x

Original poster
Mamachats · 11/04/2024 22:57

Just a little update - I had this biopsied after having it reviewed by dermatologists (who said it could be potentially BCC or AK) but it turned out to be a lichenoid keratosis. Just incase anyone else has something similar and wants it looked at! Either way, it was best it was excised as they didn't know and the LK can resemble some types of skin cancer. Thanks for all the tips!

OP posts:
Londontown12 · 12/04/2024 06:48

Wow @Mamachats !
That was done quickly !
I’m still on the waiting list for biopsy !!
im glad u know what it is thou ! X

Bobcat2024 · 28/07/2024 22:59

Hi, I've had this for a while, on my right armit's been slowly getting bigger. Note the light centre and darker outsides. I'm not quite sure what to make of it. I've also got a new small patch bumpy skin on the other arm Anyone here with knowledge.. is it something I should see Dr about? I honestly think I'm worried over nothing.

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