Most likely: chronic eczematous dermatitis with lichenification, also called lichen simplex chronicus. The dry, thickened, darkened, scaly skin around the wrist suggests a repeated itch-rub-scratch cycle. Because the area is directly under bangles/bracelets, allergic or irritant contact dermatitis from metal, dyes, fragrance, soap, or friction is a likely trigger.
A photo cannot exclude tinea (ringworm). Some of the small ring-like scaly spots mean a clinician should examine it and, if uncertain, do a quick KOH skin scraping before using a strong steroid. Tinea corporis is confirmed by KOH examination of skin scrapings. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin E-Book Clinical Dermatology, lines 1950-1952.
What to do now
- Stop wearing the bangles/watch and avoid perfumes, harsh soaps, antiseptics, and home remedies on the area for 2-3 weeks.
- Apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer or plain petroleum jelly at least 2-4 times daily, especially after bathing.
- If a clinician confirms eczema rather than fungus, a short course of a topical corticosteroid is typical treatment. For a limited wrist flare, this is commonly a prescription medium-potency steroid for about 1-2 weeks, followed by moisturizer maintenance. Topical corticosteroids and moisturizers are strongly recommended eczema treatments in AAD guidance.
- Do not scratch. Keep nails short and use a cool compress for itch.
- If fungal infection is confirmed, treatment is instead a topical antifungal such as terbinafine or an azole, not steroid alone. Topical terbinafine is effective for tinea corporis. Katzung's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 16th Edition, pp. 3816-3817.
Important: avoid starting a potent steroid or steroid-antifungal combination cream without assessment. Steroids can temporarily mask and worsen an untreated fungal infection.
Please arrange a dermatologist or primary-care visit, especially if this has lasted more than 2-3 weeks, spreads, keeps recurring, or fails to improve after removing the jewelry and moisturizing. Seek prompt care if there is warmth, pain, swelling, pus/yellow crusting, fever, or rapidly spreading redness.