I've had this small red spot on the middle of my chest for about two years now. It's not itchy or painful, and it doesnt seem to spread to other parts of my body. I noticed it appeared after I slept with a crystal Rakhi on my chest a couple of years ago. Whenever I use an antifungal cream for a couple of weeks, it completely clears up, but then it pops back up about 10 days after I stop using the cream. I even saw a dermatologist who also suggested a cream, but it's the same thing the spot only clears up as long as I'm using it. I'm a bit worried because it hasnt disappeared for good. Should I be using a certain type of antifungal cream, or could this be indicating a bigger issue? I'm not sure what to do for complete recovery. Any advice would be helpful!

Dr Ibrahim Salah

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 2+ Yrs

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The recurring red spot on your chest can be frustrating.

Possible Causes

1. Fungal Infection: The spot's response to anti-fungal cream suggests a fungal infection, such as pityriasis versicolor or dermatophytosis.
2. Keratosis Pilaris: A harmless skin condition characterized by small, red bumps.
3. Seborrheic Keratosis: A benign skin growth that can appear as a small, red spot.

Treatment Options

1. Anti-fungal Creams: Continue using anti-fungal creams, such as:
   • Clotrimazole (Candid-B)
   • Miconazole (Micatin)
   • Terbinafine (Lamisil)
2. Combination Therapy: Your dermatologist may recommend a combination of anti-fungal creams and other treatments, such as:
   • Hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation
   • Salicylic acid or urea cream to exfoliate and moisturize the skin
3. Lifestyle Changes: Make some lifestyle changes to help prevent the recurrence of the red spot:
   • Keep the area clean and dry
   • Avoid sharing personal care items
   • Wear loose, breathable clothing
   • Avoid scratching or picking at the spot

Preventing Recurrence

To prevent the red spot from coming back, consider the following:

1. Continue Treatment: Even after the spot disappears, continue using the anti-fungal cream for a few more weeks to ensure the infection is fully cleared.

Answered 04/07/2025