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Remedy for tinea versicolor: Tinea versicolor: Diagnosis and treatment

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Tinea versicolor: Diagnosis and treatment

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Tinea Versicolor: Cause, Symptoms, and Treatments

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

  • What Is Tinea Versicolor?
  • Signs and Symptoms of Tinea Versicolor
  • Tinea Versicolor Causes
  • Tinea Versicolor Diagnosis
  • Tinea Versicolor Treatment
  • Lifestyle Tips for Managing Tinea Versicolor
  • More

Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection that causes small patches of discolored spots on your skin. It’s also called pityriasis versicolor. It results from a type of yeast that naturally lives on your skin. When the yeast grows out of control, the skin disease, which appears as a rash, is the result.

 

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

  • Pityriasis versicolor. Pityriasis versicolor is a common skin disease caused by yeast-like fungus (Malassezia furfur). The fungus interferes with the normal pigmentation of the skin causing patches of discoloration, usually on the main trunk of the body and shoulders. It can be treated with antifungal creams, lotions, and soaps.

    Patches that are white, pink, red, or brown and may be lighter or darker than the skin around them.

  • Spots that don’t tan the way the rest of your skin does.
  • Spots that show up more boldly when you do tan.
  • Spots that may occur anywhere on your body but are most commonly seen on your neck, chest, back, and arms.
  • Spots that are dry and scaly and may itch or hurt, although this is rare.

The spots may disappear during cool weather and get worse during warm and humid weather.

Similar conditions

Some skin problems have symptoms that look like tinea versicolor, including:

  • Vitiligo: a disease that makes you lose your skin color
  • Pityriasis rosea: a rash that causes small spots that fan out on your body in the shape of a tree

These conditions have features that clue your doctor in to what you have, such as texture and rash pattern.

The yeast that causes tinea versicolor, Malassezia, grows on normal, healthy skin. But these things can trigger an overgrowth that causes the infection:

  • Oily skin
  • Living in a hot climate
  • Sweating a lot
  • Hormonal changes
  • A weakened immune system

Because the yeast grows naturally on your skin, tinea versicolor isn’t contagious. The condition can affect people of any skin color. It’s more likely to affect teens and young adults. For some people, it can cause emotional distress and feelings of self-consciousness.

Your doctor can diagnose tinea versicolor by what the rash looks like.

If they need more information, these tests can help:

  • Wood lamp (black light) examination. The doctor uses ultraviolet light, which may make the affected areas appear a fluorescent coppery orange color if they’re the result of tinea versicolor.
  • Microscopy using potassium hydroxide (KOH). Your doctor removes cells from your skin, soaks them in potassium hydroxide, then looks at them under a microscope.
  • Skin biopsy. The doctor takes a skin sample by scraping some skin and scales from the affected area to look at under a microscope. With children, the doctor may lift off skin cells by first firmly attaching clear tape to the affected area then removing it. The sample then can be stuck directly onto a slide to look at with a microscope.

Treatment of tinea versicolor can consist of creams, lotions, or shampoos that you put on your skin. It can also include medication given as pills. The type of treatment will depend on the size, location, and thickness of the infected area.

Treatment options include:

  • Topical antifungals. You put these directly to your skin. They may be in the form of lotion, shampoo, cream, foam, or soap. They keep yeast growth under control. Over-the-counter anti-fungal topical products containing ingredients such as clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, zinc-pyrithione, selenium sulfide, and terbinafine are available. Prescription products are available too.
  • Antifungal pills. These may be used to treat more serious or recurrent cases of tinea versicolor. Sometimes doctors use them because they clear up the infection faster. You’ll need a prescription for these medicines. They can have side effects. Your doctor will keep an eye on you while you’re taking antifungal pills.

Treatment usually gets rid of the fungal infection. But skin discoloration may take several months to resolve.
 

Episodes are very common because the yeast that causes the infection is a normal fungus that lives on your skin. You might use medicated cleansers once a week for 10 minutes at a time for a few months 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.

To help you manage tinea versicolor you can:

  • Avoid using oily skin products.
  • Reduce the time you spend in the sun. It may trigger or worsen an episode, and a tan makes the rash more visible.
  • Use an anti-fungal shampoo daily for a couple of days prior to sun exposure if you do have to go out.
  • Put on sunscreen every day. Use a broad spectrum, nongreasy formula with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30.
  • Try a dandruff shampoo with selenium sulfide.
  • Wear loose clothing.
  • Choose breathable fabrics, like cotton, to decrease sweating.

Top Picks

Pityriasis versicolor.

What is pityriasis versicolor?

IMPORTANT
The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Pityriasis versicolor is a long-term fungal disease affecting the epidermis, which is manifested by the appearance on the skin of pigmented spots of various shades: yellow, pink, brown, brown and characteristic pityriasis peeling. There are no signs of inflammation. Pityriasis versicolor is diagnosed using the Balzer iodine test, fluorescent examination and microscopy of exfoliating scales. Treatment is carried out with antifungal ointments and solutions. Pityriasis versicolor of the common form requires general antimycotic therapy.

  • Causes of pityriasis versicolor
  • Symptoms of pityriasis versicolor
  • Diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor
  • Treatment of pityriasis versicolor
  • Prophylaxis
  • Prices for treatment

General

Pityriasis versicolor is so named because of its typical flaking. The second name – multi-colored lichen – arose due to the various colors of the spots that appear during the disease. The common name “solar fungus” also refers to pityriasis versicolor. It is due to the fact that under the influence of sunlight, the affected areas of the skin become brighter and more noticeable. Most often, pityriasis versicolor affects men and women of young age, most rarely – children under 7 years of age.

Pityriasis versicolor

Causes of pityriasis versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor belongs to the group of keratomycosis – fungal skin diseases that affect only the stratum corneum of the epidermis and the hair cuticle. Its causative agents are the fungi Malassezia furfur, Pityrpsporum orbiculare and Pityrosporum ovale, and these species differ in their ability to pass one into another. Usually, pityriasis versicolor is characterized by low contagiousness, that is, infection occurs only in some cases with close and prolonged contact with the patient. At the same time, the likelihood of getting sick with pityriasis versicolor is largely due to predisposing factors.

Factors that form in the body a favorable background for the development of pityriasis versicolor are: weakening of the immune system, increased sweating, endocrine disorders (diabetes mellitus, Itsenko-Cushing’s syndrome, obesity), changes in the chemical composition of sweat, vegetative-vascular dystonia, violation of the barrier skin functions with frequent use of antibacterial gels and soaps, stressful effects on the skin (excessive tanning, solarium, etc.). The authors of some studies conducted in dermatology indicate that in some cases pityriasis versicolor is associated with lymphogranulomatosis and pulmonary tuberculosis.

Symptoms of pityriasis versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor is caused by the multiplication of pathogens in the superficial layers of the skin, which leads to disruption of the functioning of melanocytes – cells that produce the pigment melanin, which gives the skin a particular color. As a result, the affected area of ​​the skin acquires a color that differs from the rest of the skin. The process begins at the mouth of the hair follicle, then the spot gradually increases in size.

With pityriasis versicolor, the formation of multiple rounded spots up to 1 cm in size is typical. As the spots grow, they merge with each other, forming large areas that reach the size of an adult’s palm. Such spots do not protrude above the surface of the skin and do not have signs of inflammation (swelling, redness, soreness). Their color can be yellow, coffee, pinkish brown, dark brown. The edges of the spots of pityriasis versicolor are clearly delimited, uneven, scalloped. Characteristically due to loosening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis, peeling of spots, easily detected when scraping the skin.

Most often, pityriasis versicolor appears on the skin of the back and chest. The neck, lateral parts of the trunk and abdomen are less commonly affected. In children and adolescents, spots can be localized on the skin of the extremities, in the armpits and on the scalp. There is no symmetry.

A patient with pityriasis versicolor usually does not report any subjective sensations. In some cases, there is slight itching in the areas of skin lesions. The occurrence of soreness, burning or other unpleasant sensations indicates a secondary infection of the skin with a bacterial flora.

Pityriasis versicolor has a long (several years) course. In the absence of systematic therapy after treatment, recurrence of the disease is possible. Pityriasis versicolor is often cured by exposure to sunlight. Areas previously affected by lichen do not tan and remain white against the background of tanned skin (pseudo leukoderma).

Diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor is often immediately diagnosed at a dermatologist’s consultation during examination and dermatoscopy of skin areas with discoloration. To confirm the diagnosis, the Balzer iodine test is performed, which consists in applying 5% alcohol solution of iodine to the skin. Due to the looseness of the affected areas of the epidermis, the skin in these areas absorbs iodine better and stains more intensely than in healthy areas. With the same success, solutions of aniline dyes can be used for the test: brilliant green, iodine, fukartsin. The presence of Besnier’s symptom or the “chip phenomenon” is also determined: peeling of the skin with a slight scraping of it on the surface of pityriasis versicolor spots.

Luminescent diagnostics, carried out in a special darkened room, reveals red-yellow or dark brown fluorescence spots. Microscopic examination of scrapings with pityriasis versicolor allows you to detect elements of the fungus in the scales of the epidermis.

Differentiate pityriasis versicolor from rosacea based on the clinical picture. Pink lichen is characterized by an oblong and rhomboid shape of lesions, localization of spots along the lines of skin tension. Foci of pseudoleukoderma remaining after pityriasis versicolor is resolved are differentiated from vitiligo, secondary hypopigmentations, and leprosy.

It is also necessary to distinguish pityriasis versicolor from syphilitic roseola, and areas of pseudoleukoderma from syphilitic leukoderma. Syphilitic roseola does not peel off, has a pink color, disappears when pressed. Syphilitic leukoderma in its appearance resembles a lacy mesh, and not confluent spots of reduced pigmentation. To differentiate pityriasis versicolor from syphilitic manifestations, the following tests may be prescribed to the patient: microscopy of scrapings for pale treponema, PCR diagnosis of syphilis, or RPR test.

Treatment of pityriasis versicolor

Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis until the symptoms of pityriasis versicolor disappear completely. Local antifungal agents are used: 5% salicylic ointment, 3-5% salicylic alcohol, 5-10% sulfuric ointment, 3-5% resorcinol alcohol, terbinafine, bifonazole, clotrimazole, cycloperox, terbinafine, naftifine, etc. Common pityriasis versicolor or its a relapsing course is an indication for general antifungal treatment. It is carried out by ingestion of antifungal drugs such as itraconazole, ketoconazole.

Prevention

Prevention of recurrence of pityriasis versicolor includes repeated antifungal treatment, regular water treatments and therapy for hyperhidrosis. To prevent infection of the patient’s relatives, the patient’s clothes and linen are disinfected. People who are in constant contact with the patient are examined using a fluorescent lamp.

You can share your medical history, what helped you in the treatment of pityriasis versicolor.

Sources

  1. This article was prepared based on the site: https://www.krasotaimedicina.ru/

IMPORTANT
Information from this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Pityriasis versicolor: treatment, preparations, ointments

Where can I buy?

Encyclopedia

Fungus

Pityriasis versicolor is a fungal disease of the superficial layers of the skin.

The author of the article

Tamrazova Olga Borisovna

Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor of the Department of Dermatovenereology with a course of cosmetology of the FNMO of the Medical Institute of the FGAEI VO RUDN University of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Moscow.

Pityriasis versicolor – what is it?

Audio version of the page:

Pityriasis versicolor is not dangerous and not contagious, and also does not carry serious complications. However, members of the same family or people in close contact need to use personal hygiene products (towels). Microorganisms that provoke the appearance of pityriasis versicolor begin to actively multiply and cause disease if a person has predisposing factors. This disease requires treatment and supervision by a doctor in order to prevent the development of a chronic form 1, 2, 3 .

What is pityriasis versicolor and how is it treated? Watch a short video with a candidate of medical sciences, clinical pharmacologist Kukes Ilya Vladimirovich

Symptoms of pityriasis versicolor

Visually, pityriasis versicolor appears on the skin in the form of scarlet asymmetric spots of various sizes. They may merge with each other and have fuzzy, uneven edges 4, 9, 10, 11 .

Their color can vary from white to yellow, light brown, dark brown, grey-black or pinkish red.

Skin defect (spots) occurs in >80% of cases, causing psychological discomfort to the patient.

In some cases, another so-called “secondary” infection can join the fungal disease. A symptom of the presence of a secondary infection may be peeling on the surface of the skin and itching.

Chronic pityriasis versicolor

People who are exposed to fungus often do not always see a dermatologist.

This can be a big problem as the disease becomes chronic and more difficult to treat. The risk of relapses (repeated manifestations of the disease) increases.

Localization of pityriasis versicolor

Lichen may be localized on a smooth or hairy area of ​​the skin 4 .

The most common sites affected by are shoulders, back, abdomen, chest, neck. Less commonly affected areas are groin, face, hands, mucous membranes.

Involvement of the scalp

When the scalp is affected, patches of pink first appear, then yellowish pink, later brown or red-brown; on their surface there is a small-lamellar peeling, similar to bran (pityriasis versicolor), easily determined by scraping. Pityriasis peeling is associated with loosening of the surface layer of the skin by a fungus.

Pityriasis versicolor pathogens

Pityriasis versicolor is caused by dimorphic lipophilic yeasts of the genus Malassezia, representatives of the typical skin microflora. The most frequently found are Malassezia globosa, M. sympodialis and M. furfur, less often – M. slooffiae, M. restricta and M. Obtusa 4 . It has been established that about 90% of healthy people are carriers of the saprophytic form of the fungus 4 .

Microscopic examination of a skin scraping is performed to identify the Malassezia species. Particles are scraped off from the affected area of ​​the skin, then the scraping is transferred to the laboratory, where a specific type of fungus is established in the patient.

How to treat lichen caused by fungi? Watch in a two-minute video with Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences Olga Borisovna Tamrazova.

Other names for pityriasis versicolor

There are other names for pityriasis versicolor:

  • Pityriasis versicolor
  • Pityriasis red hairy pityriasis

The presence of the words “red”, “multi-colored”, “bran-shaped” in the name is due to the appearance on the skin of orange-red areas with peeling, similar to bran. Mushrooms of the genus Malassezia live not only on the skin, but also in the sebaceous hair follicles – this explains the word “hairy” in the title.

90% of healthy people carry the fungus that causes pityriasis versicolor 5 .

Under the influence of various environmental factors or individual characteristics of the body, the fungus can transform from a harmless form into a pathogenic one that causes a disease.

Predisposing factors

Unfavorable factors can aggravate the course of pityriasis versicolor and its manifestations on the skin. These include 7, 8 :

  • Overheating of the skin, wearing excessively warm clothes, excessive sweating (especially in people living in countries with hot and humid climates)
  • Reduced immunity due to stress, poor diet and lifestyle
  • A number of experts note the negative impact of using cosmetics that do not match the patient’s original skin type, as well as the impact of certain cosmetic procedures, such as peels and scrubs

Pityriasis versicolor mainly affects adolescents and young adults between the ages of 10 and 30, but can occur in people of any age group, including infants and the elderly. It is more often registered among the population living in regions with a hot and humid climate. There is no convincing evidence that gender or any particular ethnic group is more susceptible 4 .

Pityriasis versicolor in a child

In children, this disease occurs quite rarely under the influence of the same provocative factors as in adults, including improper skin care and poor hygiene.

Is it possible to get pityriasis versicolor?

It is almost impossible to catch pityriasis versicolor from another person. The disease often develops in people with concomitant pathologies: chronic diseases of the lungs and gastrointestinal tract, endocrine pathology, vegetative-vascular disorders, immunodeficiencies of various nature 4 .

Diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor

Diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor is made on the basis of the clinical picture (symptoms of the disease), as well as patient complaints 12 . For a more accurate diagnosis, a dermatologist conducts a special test called the Balzer Iodine Test, and also checks the Besnier Symptom.

The dermatologist can also use a Wood’s lamp for diagnosis.

Balzer (Balser) test with iodine

Skin areas with small spots with clear boundaries are smeared with 5% alcohol solution of iodine. The horny layer of the skin affected by the fungus quickly absorbs iodine and stains more intensely than other areas. Spots of pityriasis versicolor are clearly distinguished by a dark brown color against the background of only slightly stained areas of healthy skin.

This property is associated with a loosened, disturbed disease of the upper layer of the skin – the epidermis, which is more conductive to staining.

Besnier’s symptom

The doctor selects an exposed area of ​​skin where spots are noted. Further, with the help of available medical instruments, he spends on the spots in the form of scraping. In the presence of pityriasis versicolor, increased peeling of the skin at the site of scraping will be characteristic.

Wood’s lamp

The procedure must be carried out in a dark room. Normal healthy skin does not glow under UV rays, and some bacteria and fungi emit a characteristic natural glow.

How to determine pityriasis versicolor at home?

An iodine test can be performed for self-diagnosis. Affected areas of the skin – spots are lubricated with 3-5% iodine solution. The horny layer of the epidermis, loosened by the fungus, absorbs iodine faster, due to which the lesions are stained much more intensely than healthy skin 6 . As a result, pityriasis versicolor stands out against the background of healthy skin with a dark brown color.

It is important to remember that only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis!

One of the signs of pityriasis versicolor is uneven sunburn.

The fungus causes a disturbance in the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for tanning. In the presence of the disease, white spots that are immune to the sun may appear on the skin.

Why go to the doctor? Differential diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor

If you experience symptoms of the disease, you should contact a specialist immediately. At the appointment, a dermatologist will conduct an examination, conduct research, establish a diagnosis of the disease and prescribe treatment.

Important! You cannot self-medicate.

There are a number of diseases that may look like pityriasis versicolor 4 .

What can you confuse with pityriasis versicolor?

  • Vitiligo and lichen white (vitiligo is characterized by skin patches without pigmentation and without accompanying inflammation)
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
  • Pityriasis rosea
  • Psoriasis
  • Seborrheic dermatitis
  • Progressive macular hypomelanosis
  • Confluent and reticular papillomatosis
  • Pityriasis rotunda
  • Pityriasis pigmentosa white (more common in children and adolescents, and also common in people with dark skin color)

Treatment of pityriasis versicolor

The main goal of therapy for the disease is to achieve stable remission 13, 14 .

Pityriasis versicolor is treated with topical antifungals, such as those based on sertaconazole (Zalain ® ).

In more severe cases, oral antifungals may be given.

Active ingredients for the treatment of pityriasis versicolor

  • Sertaconazole
  • Bifonazole
  • Ketoconazole
  • Clotrimazole
  • Miconazole
  • Terbinafine
  • Oxiconazole

Preparations for the treatment of pityriasis versicolor are available in various forms: gel, cream, solution, shampoo, tablets. Only a doctor can prescribe the correct treatment.

Sertaconazole (Zalain® Cream) for the treatment of pityriasis versicolor

Drugs based on sertaconazole (Zalain ® Cream) are often used to treat pityriasis versicolor.

Sertaconazole has a triple antifungal effect 17 , namely:

  • Prevents the growth and reproduction of fungi
  • Fungal cell death
  • Blocking the transition of fungi from a passive form to a pathogenic one (only for fungi of the genus Candida)

More than 60 international studies have been conducted demonstrating the effectiveness of sertaconazole and its high safety profile 15 .

Sertaconazole acts on all types of dermatophyte fungi that cause pityriasis versicolor.

Instruction

Zalain ® Pityriasis versicolor cream

Cream based on sertaconazole (Zalain ® ) has anti-inflammatory 18 and antipruritic 19 action, which is especially important in the treatment of lichen.

Has a triple effect: antifungal, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory

Used 1-2 times a day

Where to buy Zalain ® Cream for the treatment of pityriasis versicolor

or

Find the nearest pharmacy

Recommendations

How does Zalain® work?

Sertaconazole (Zalain ® ) upon contact with a fungal cell destroys its membrane (protective shell) and causes the death of the fungus, and also blocks its growth and reproduction. When applied to the skin, the drug is not absorbed into the general circulation, which increases its safety profile 16 .

How to use Zalain®?

Sertaconazole Cream (Zalain) is applied to the affected skin in an even, thin layer twice daily, covering approximately 1 cm of healthy skin 16 .

How long is the treatment?

The duration of treatment depends on the type of fungal pathogen and the location of the disease. As a rule, the symptoms of the disease disappear after 2-4 weeks. The recommended duration of treatment is 4 weeks 16 .

Why do you need a doctor?

You should definitely consult a dermatologist. During the therapy, the doctor carefully analyzes the dynamics of treatment, looks at how the regression of skin lesions occurs. In the process of observation, a dermatologist can identify a patient with a chronic form of the disease and additionally prescribe antifungal drugs in the form of tablets, as well as prescribe additional laboratory tests, for example, a biochemical blood test 16 .

Anti-inflammatory effect of sertaconazole

Fungal infections of the skin can cause a local inflammatory reaction that leads to pain, irritation and itching 1 . Sertaconazole has an anti-inflammatory effect, stops the inflammatory reaction and blocks its further development 1 .

Other recommendations

During treatment and for some time after treatment, alcohol should be avoided and lifestyle adjustments should be made as much as possible if it is combined with stress, malnutrition and bad habits. All this affects the functioning of the immune system, the role of which is extremely important in the fight against infection.

Answers to questions about pityriasis versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor – is it serious?

Answer: Pityriasis versicolor is associated with cosmetic skin defects, in connection with which it can cause psychological discomfort to the patient. The spots may itch a little. In general, rashes are not dangerous to health and can be treated 4 .

Pityriasis versicolor – is it contagious?

Answer: No – you cannot get pityriasis versicolor from another person. The yeast-like microbe that causes the rash lives on the skin of a healthy person and usually causes no harm. Rashes appear when the fungus passes into the pathogenic form 4 .

How can I prevent the rash from coming back?

Answer: In the presence of predisposing factors, the fungus can recur even after successful treatment. For prevention, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medications and special skin care to prevent recurring rashes.

Is sunbathing effective for pityriasis versicolor?

Answer: No, sunbathing does not affect the course of pityriasis versicolor.

Can you treat pityriasis versicolor on your own?

Answer: In case of skin symptoms, you should consult a doctor who will diagnose the disease and prescribe a course of therapy. Drugs used to treat pityriasis versicolor can cause serious side effects, so self-medication is unacceptable.

Which doctor treats pityriasis versicolor?

Answer: Skin diseases, including pityriasis versicolor, are treated by a dermatologist.

How quickly does the skin recover after treatment for pityriasis versicolor?

Answer: Discoloration of the skin may persist after symptoms disappear. Restoration of normal pigmentation may take several months after completion of 4 treatment.

Is the use of immunomodulators justified in the treatment of pityriasis versicolor?

Answer: You can often hear that various immunomodulators are recommended to improve immunity. From the standpoint of evidence-based medicine, they are drugs with unproven clinical efficacy and do not increase immunity.

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Sources

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  2. Hebif T.P. Skin diseases: diagnosis and treatment / T.P. Hebif. – M.: MEDpress-inform, 2007. – 672s
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