Tinea Versicolor
Tori Farrell — Block 4
ALSO CALLED: PITYRIASIS VERSICOLOR
TINEA = THE TECHNICAL TERM FOR RINGWORM
VERSICOLOR = TURNING COLOR
I SAVED YOU FROM THE HORRIBLE ONES! YOU GET THE GIST!
SPECIFIC CAUSE
- oily skin
- hormonal changes
- excessive sweating
- hot and humid weather
- having a weakened immune system
SYMPTOMS
- be dry, itchy, and scaly
- be pink, red, tan, or brown
- be more prominent with tanning
- disappear in cooler, less humid weather
- be lighter (more common) or darker than the surrounding skin
WHO GETS IT?
Tinea versicolor can occur in people from all ethnic backgrounds. It most often affects teens and young adults.
HOW DO PEOPLE GET IT?
The condition isn't contagious. Adults are more likely to develop tinea versicolor if they visit an area with a subtropical climate. When the natural fungus of the skin grows excessively it causes a tinea versicolor infection. Tinea versicolor is caused by a fungus known as Malassezia. The fungus disrupts the normal pigmentation of the skin, and this results in discolored, scaly patches. The skin pigment changes in the patches because the Malassezia fungus produces an acid that inhibits the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. Poor hygiene is not related to the infection at all, nor does it make tinea versicolor more likely to occur.
PROGNOSIS
There are no serious complications from tinea versicolor. In most people, the rash goes away with treatment. However, it takes several months for the skin to return to its normal appearance. The rash returns after treatment within six months in 40 percent to 60 percent of people who don't use antifungal treatments from time to time to suppress the rash.
TREATMENT
Treatments such as anti-fungal creams, lotions, or shampoos are usually effective. However, skin discoloration may last for weeks to months.
Prescription
- Anti-fungal: Econazole to the affected area (Spectazole)
- Other treatments: Ciclopirox to the affected area (Ciclodan)
Self-treatment
- Anti-fungal to the affected area: Ketoconazole (Xolegel), Miconazole (Zeasorb), Clotrimazole (Kerasal), Terbinafine (Lamisil)
- Other treatments: Selenium sulfide to the affected area, Pyrithione zinc to the affected area (Soothe)
PREVENTION
Preventing a recurrence of the condition can be difficult. If you’re diagnosed with tinea versicolor and you’re successfully treated, there are steps that you can take to prevent future infections. These include:
- avoiding excessive heat
- avoiding tanning or excessive sun exposure
- avoiding excessive sweating
- taking prescribed medication