Possible Skin Conditions

The pictures below contain links to information about conditions that can affect the back in adults. The back is a large area of skin that can be the site of various skin problems. Certain skin conditions are more likely to affect the back than others. Solar lentigos are darkly pigmented spots that are the result of excessive sunlight. These are not dangerous but can appear similar in appearance to melanoma. If solar lentigos are present, occasional examination by your doctor is important to screen for skin cancer. Pityriasis rosea is a rash that most often involves the back and causes red patches in a fir-tree distribution on the back. Notalgia paresthetica causes itchy areas on the back that may become darker with time. The skin of the back can also be infected with a fungus causing tinea versicolor. See examples of these conditions and others below.