Question

Mark, age 18, presents with a pruritic rash on his upper trunk and shoulders. You observe flat to slightly elevated brown papules and plaques that scale when they are rubbed. You also note areas of hypopigmentation. What is your initial diagnosis?

Answer 1

The initial diagnosis for the symptoms described is tinea versicolor, a fungal infection of the skin. Treatment involves antifungal creams or oral medications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The initial diagnosis for the symptoms described in the question is tinea versicolor, a common fungal infection of the skin. It is characterized by the presence of flat to slightly elevated brown papules and plaques that scale when rubbed. The areas of hypopigmentation observed also support this diagnosis, as tinea versicolor can cause localized loss of skin color. Treatment typically involves antifungal creams or oral medications.