My 3-year-old son has a red, dry bump on his back -- right along the spine. It is red, dry, and kind of warm; it is in between a nickel and a quarter size, round. I noticed it about a month ago and just thought that it was a bruise, but it isn't going away! He says it doesn't hurt, but I am concerned. Thanks for any info.

The most common skin conditions that show up as a red, dry patch on the skin like this are eczema and fungal infections (also known as "ringworm"). If it is eczema, it should respond to a mild steroid ointment such as triamcinolone, and if it is a fungal infection, it should get better with a topical antifungal agent, such as clotrimazole.

It is likely just a coincidence that it is near the spine. From your description, though, it's hard to tell how much of a "bump" you see on the back -- if it's really very raised, that would be somewhat unusual.

So, regardless of what it sounds like from your description, I do think that it is wise to make a visit to your doctor so the diagnosis can be made, and so the proper treatment can be prescribed.

Please let us know how things turn out!

Dr. Mike Potter

-- Michael Potter, MD, is an associate professor at the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center.

Last updated October 20, 2009
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