Q: I have a spot on my cheek that bleeds whenever I shave. I gave up shaving for a while but it never seems to heal. I have used every cream over the counter and nothing works. I have spent many years on the water and I am concerned. What could this be?

A: Non-healing, bleeding lesions on the face should be evaluated by an experienced dermatologist. The lesion could be benign, pre-cancerous or cancerous in nature. Your dermatologist will likely take a small sample of your skin and send it to be examined under a microscope. This in-office procedure, called a biopsy, is usually done under local anesthesia (small injection) and usually takes less than 15 minutes. It is best to avoid shaving the area until you are properly evaluated by a physician.

Q: I have these itchy whitish spots on my chest and back which get worse if I am in the sun. What could I do?

A: It sounds like you have a condition called Tinea Versicolor. This is a rash caused by yeast which normally lives on our bodies. In some individuals, this yeast becomes active in areas such as the chest, back, shoulders and neck and causes a characteristic rash which is sometimes a lighter shade than the normal skin color. The reason for the rash getting “worse” in the sun is that the rash causes a temporary decrease in skin pigment. So these areas of involvement do not “tan” like normal skin. Also, the yeast thrives on sweat- which goes hand in hand with being in the sun. The good news is that this is a benign condition, and usually not contagious. There are many treatment options available including the use of over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos. See your dermatologist for other treatment options.

Q: For the past few weeks whenever I am out on my boat I get this red, itchy rash on my face and body. It doesn’t feel or look like a sunburn. What is the problem?

A:There are a few possibilities. Firstly, are you taking any new medications? There are a number of medications including certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications and even some blood pressure medications which can cause one to be more sensitive to ultraviolet light from the sun. I would check with your doctor to make sure that the medications you are on do not fall into this category. If you are on a photosensitizing medication, be sure to wear sun protective gear and a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Another possibility is that your skin is allergic to something that it is coming in contact with, like a new sunscreen for example. Sometimes, the combination of certain creams or lotions and sunlight can cause a skin rash. There are also a number of medical conditions which can make one sensitive to sunlight. The best thing for you to do is to seek medical attention. A visit to a dermatologist may be necessary to pinpoint the cause and treat your rash.

The above information is by no means a substitute for a visit to your doctor. For more information on these topics, please visit www.aad.org. To submit a story idea, or if you have a skin related question, please e-mail me at dracambio@gmail.com. Happy New Year!

- Dr. Andrea Cambio
Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
Andrew’s Professional Center
316 Del Prado Blvd. S. Suite 201
Cape Coral 829-7102
dracambio@gmail.com

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