TINEA VERSICOLOUR

Tinea Versicolour is a fungal infection of the skin. It's also called pityriasis versicolor and it is caused by a type of yeast that naturally lives on the skin. When the yeast grows out of control, the skin disease, Tinea Versicolour which appears as a rash, is the result.

      Causes

The infection can happen due to any of the following reasons:

1. An oily skin
2. Living in hot climatic area
3. Excessive sweating
4. Weak immune system

Because the yeast grows naturally on the skin, tinea versicolor is not contagious. The condition can affect anyone regardless of their skin color. However, it is known to be common in teens and young adults.

Signs and Symptoms of Tinea Versicolor

Acidic bleach from the growing yeast causes areas of skin to be of different color to the skin around them. These can be individual spots or patches. Specific signs and symptoms of the infection include:

• Patches that may be white, black, red, or brown and can be lighter or darker than the skin around them.
• Spots that do not tan the way the rest of your skin does.
• Spots that may occur anywhere on your body but are most commonly seen on your neck, chest, back, and arms.

The spots may disappear during cool weather and get worse during warm and humid weather. They may be dry and scaly and may itch or hurt, although this is not common.

Tinea Versicolor Treatment

Treatment of tinea versicolor ranges from the use of creams, lotions, or shampoos that are applied on the skin to the use of medications given as pills from physicians. The type of treatment will depend on the size, location, and thickness of the infected area.

Some anti-fungal creams may be used to treat more serious or recurrent cases of tinea versicolor. Or in some cases they may be used because they can provide a simpler and quicker resolution to the infection. These medicines are given by prescription and can have side effects. So it's important to be monitored by your doctor while using anti-fungal pills.

Treatment usually eliminates the fungal infection. However, the discoloration of the skin may take up to several months to resolve.

Recurrent episodes are very common because the yeast that causes the infection is a normal fungus that lives on skin. Medicated cleansers may be used one or two times a month to help prevent tinea versicolor from coming back. You may need to use these cleansers if the infection keeps returning, especially if you live in a warm and humid area.

Over the counter (OTC) remedies include clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex) and miconazole (Lotrimin). These should be applied twice a day for 15 days consecutively for quick and better results.

Here are some precautions you may need to take to maintain Tinea Versicolour, and perhaps eradicate it once and for all.

1. Avoid using oily skin products.
2. Reduce your exposure to the sun. Exposure to the sun may trigger or worsen an episode, and a tan makes the rash more visible.
3. If you have to go out in the sun, consider using an anti-fungal shampoo daily for a couple of days prior to sun exposure.
4. Do not wear tight clothing.
5. Wear breathable fabrics, such as cotton, to decrease sweating.