Tinea Versicolor: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

1. TineaVersicolor

2. TineaVersicolor TineaVersicolor is a common skin infection caused by fungus Malassezia. TineaVersicolor is not contagious and does not cause any health issues. However, multiple patches on the skin can cause emotional distress among patients. The malassezia fungus lives on the skin and protects it from other infections and diseases, but sometimes the unexpected growth of fungus leads to the loss of skin pigmentation. TineaVersicolor is common among teenagers due to hormonal fluctuations. However, TineaVersicolor can affect people of all ages and genders. TineaVersicolor is also known as Pityriasis. 

3. Causes of TineaVersicolor The rapid growth of fungus causes the discoloration of skin resulting in TineaVersicolor. Certain biological and environmental factors can cause overgrowth of fungi on the skin. Possible causes of TineaVersicolor are: Weak immune system • Hormonal imbalance • Excessive oily skin • Living in hot and humid weather • Excessive sweating • Genetic history of TineaVersicolor

4. Symptoms The most visible symptom of TineaVersicolor is the changes in skin color. These discolored patches usually appear on arms, chest, back, or neck. TineaVersicolor often results in the loss of skin color in people with dark skin this known as hypopigmentation and in some people skin appears to be dark which is known as hyperpigmentation. The symptoms of TineaVersicolor get worse in the hot and humid weather. Other common symptoms of TineaVersicolor are: Dry skin • Itchy skin • Formation of red, white or brown color patches • Permanent tanned skin

5. Diagnosis of TineaVersicolor A dermatologist can diagnose TineaVersicolor simply by looking at the discolored patches. Sometimes dermatologists take the sample from the affected area. The sample is further observed under a microscope to determine the possible cause of the infection. A patient should tell the doctor about their medical history and symptoms they have been experiencing.

6. Treatments Thetreatment of TineaVersicolor depends on the factors such as severity of the infection, climate, thickness and area of the infection. The treatment of TineaVersicolor involves the combination of lifestyle changes and medicines. Anti fungal medications to prevent the infection from spreading to other body parts. • Creams and lotions containing pyrithione zinc or ketoconazole can kill rapid growth of fungus on the skin. • Using anti-fungal soap to clean the affected area. • Avoid prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays. • Avoid going out in hot and humid temperature. • Bath daily to avoid excessive accumulation of oil and dirt on the skin.

7. Prevention of TineaVersicolor In order to prevent TineaVersicolor from relapsing, a dermatologist may prescribe a skin or oral treatment that you use once or twice a month including: • Selenium sulfide • Ketoconazole cream, gel, shampoo • Itraconazole tablets, capsules or oral solution • Fluconazole tablets or oral solution

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