How does Selsun Blue affect vitiligo. What are the differences between vitiligo and tinea versicolor. Why might someone choose to stop vitiligo treatments. How can you distinguish between tinea versicolor and vitiligo.

The Childhood Experience with Selsun Blue for Vitiligo

As a young girl with vitiligo, the author vividly recalls a peculiar treatment recommended by her family doctor: Selsun Blue, a dandruff shampoo. This unconventional approach involved covering her entire body with the blue shampoo, creating a playful yet poignant memory. The image of a child running around the house, covered in blue, highlights the lengths to which families might go in search of a cure for vitiligo.

While the Selsun Blue treatment may have seemed harmless and even fun to a child, it marks the beginning of a long journey with various vitiligo treatments. This experience raises questions about the effectiveness and psychological impact of unconventional treatments on young patients with skin conditions.

Light Therapy and Cream Treatments: A Teenager’s Perspective

As the author entered her teenage years, more conventional treatments were introduced, including light therapy and topical creams. These methods aimed to stimulate pigmentation in the affected areas of skin. But at what cost?

• Light therapy caused sunburn-like effects on white patches
• Pink coloration indicated potential pigment return
• Physical discomfort and emotional distress accompanied treatments
• Multiple weekly sessions added to the burden of living with vitiligo

The author describes the physical pain of treatments resembling sunburns and the emotional toll of seeing her body in various states of discoloration. The promise of returning pigmentation was overshadowed by the constant reminder of her condition and the discomfort associated with treatments.

The Emotional Impact of Ongoing Treatments

How do ongoing treatments affect the mental health of individuals with vitiligo? The author’s experience reveals a complex emotional landscape:

• Feelings of being different and constantly observed
• Exhaustion from frequent treatment sessions
• Frustration with temporary results
• Pressure from well-meaning parents to continue treatments

These emotional challenges highlight the need for a holistic approach to vitiligo treatment that considers both physical and psychological well-being.

The Decision to Stop Vitiligo Treatments

After years of treatments, the author reached a turning point. What led to her decision to discontinue vitiligo treatments? Several factors contributed:

1. Frustration with reverting pigmentation after missed sessions
2. Feeling of wasted time and effort
3. Emotional exhaustion from the constant focus on “getting better”
4. Realization that self-love was more important than skin appearance

This pivotal moment in the author’s journey emphasizes the importance of personal choice in medical treatments, especially for chronic conditions that significantly impact one’s appearance and self-image.

Embracing Self-Love: A New Approach to Living with Vitiligo

How can individuals with vitiligo find happiness and self-acceptance? The author’s epiphany led her to a profound conclusion: true happiness comes from loving oneself regardless of skin appearance. This shift in perspective involves:

• Prioritizing mental health over physical appearance
• Embracing one’s unique skin patterns
• Redefining beauty standards for oneself
• Focusing on personal growth and self-love

This approach challenges societal norms and medical paradigms that often prioritize “curing” visible differences over promoting self-acceptance and mental well-being.

Distinguishing Between Tinea Versicolor and Vitiligo

While the author’s story focuses on vitiligo, it’s crucial to understand the differences between vitiligo and other skin conditions that cause discoloration, such as tinea versicolor. How can one differentiate between these two conditions?

Causes and Characteristics

Tinea versicolor (TV) and vitiligo have distinct causes:

• Tinea versicolor: Caused by excessive yeast growth on the skin
• Vitiligo: Results from the absence of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes)

Understanding these fundamental differences is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Appearance and Affected Areas

How do the visual presentations of tinea versicolor and vitiligo differ?

• Tinea versicolor: Round, flat patches that can be lighter or darker than surrounding skin
• Vitiligo: Well-defined areas of depigmented skin

The location of these skin changes can also provide clues:

• Tinea versicolor: Most common on the chest and back
• Vitiligo: Often appears on the face, hands, elbows, and knees

These distinctions in appearance and affected areas can help individuals and healthcare providers differentiate between the two conditions.

Treatment Approaches for Tinea Versicolor and Vitiligo

Given the different causes of tinea versicolor and vitiligo, treatment approaches vary significantly. How are these conditions typically addressed?

Tinea Versicolor Treatments

Treatments for tinea versicolor focus on controlling yeast overgrowth:

• Antifungal creams, lotions, or shampoos
• Oral antifungal medications for widespread or persistent cases
• Regular use of antifungal products to prevent recurrence

Vitiligo Treatments

Vitiligo treatments aim to restore pigmentation or even skin tone:

• Topical corticosteroids or immunomodulators
• Light therapy (phototherapy)
• Skin grafting or tattooing in some cases
• Depigmentation for extensive vitiligo

It’s important to note that, as illustrated by the author’s experience, some individuals may choose to forgo treatment and embrace their natural skin appearance.

The Psychological Impact of Skin Conditions

Both tinea versicolor and vitiligo can have significant psychological effects on those affected. How do these conditions impact mental health and self-image?

• Feelings of self-consciousness or embarrassment
• Anxiety in social situations
• Depression related to changes in appearance
• Stress from ongoing treatment regimens

The author’s journey highlights the importance of addressing these psychological aspects alongside physical treatments. Mental health support and counseling can be crucial components of a comprehensive care plan for individuals with visible skin conditions.

Empowering Individuals with Skin Conditions

How can society and healthcare providers better support individuals with conditions like vitiligo and tinea versicolor? Several approaches can make a significant difference:

• Promoting education and awareness about skin diversity
• Encouraging open discussions about the emotional impact of skin conditions
• Providing access to support groups and counseling services
• Respecting individual choices regarding treatment or non-treatment
• Celebrating unique skin appearances in media and popular culture

By fostering a more inclusive and understanding environment, we can help individuals with skin conditions feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin.

Advancements in Vitiligo Research and Treatment

While the author’s experience reflects treatments from her childhood and teenage years, vitiligo research has continued to advance. What new developments are shaping the future of vitiligo treatment?

• Targeted immunotherapies to address the autoimmune aspects of vitiligo
• Gene therapy approaches to restore melanocyte function
• Improved phototherapy techniques with fewer side effects
• Combination therapies for enhanced effectiveness

These advancements offer hope for more effective and less burdensome treatments. However, they also raise questions about the balance between pursuing “cures” and promoting self-acceptance.

The Role of Patient Choice in Treatment Decisions

As new treatments emerge, how can healthcare providers ensure that patient autonomy and preferences are respected? Key considerations include:

• Providing comprehensive information about treatment options and potential outcomes
• Discussing the psychological aspects of treatment alongside physical effects
• Supporting patients who choose not to pursue treatment
• Offering a multidisciplinary approach that includes mental health support

By empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care, healthcare providers can help ensure that treatment plans align with individual values and goals.

Building a Supportive Community for Skin Diversity

The author’s journey from seeking treatments to embracing self-love highlights the importance of community support. How can individuals with vitiligo, tinea versicolor, and other skin conditions find and create supportive communities?

• Joining online forums and social media groups dedicated to skin conditions
• Participating in local support groups or starting one if none exist
• Engaging in advocacy work to raise awareness and promote acceptance
• Sharing personal stories to inspire and connect with others
• Collaborating with dermatologists and mental health professionals to create holistic support networks

By building strong, supportive communities, individuals with skin conditions can find empowerment, share experiences, and challenge societal norms around beauty and appearance.

The Future of Skin Condition Management: A Holistic Approach

As our understanding of skin conditions like vitiligo and tinea versicolor evolves, what might the future of management look like? A holistic approach could include:

• Personalized treatment plans that consider physical, emotional, and social factors
• Integration of traditional medical treatments with complementary therapies
• Enhanced focus on quality of life and overall well-being, not just skin appearance
• Development of technologies to help individuals visualize and embrace their unique skin patterns
• Incorporation of patient perspectives in research and treatment development

This comprehensive approach acknowledges the complex nature of skin conditions and their impact on individuals’ lives, moving beyond a solely medical model to address the whole person.

The Role of Education in Promoting Skin Acceptance

Education plays a crucial role in fostering acceptance and understanding of skin conditions. How can educational initiatives make a difference?

• Incorporating skin diversity into school curricula
• Providing resources for teachers and parents to discuss skin conditions with children
• Organizing public awareness campaigns to challenge beauty stereotypes
• Offering training for healthcare providers on the psychosocial aspects of skin conditions

By promoting education at various levels, we can work towards a society that embraces skin diversity and supports individuals with conditions like vitiligo and tinea versicolor.

Conclusion: Embracing Individuality in Skin Health

The journey from childhood treatments with Selsun Blue to a place of self-acceptance illustrates the complex relationship between medical interventions and personal well-being for individuals with skin conditions. While distinguishing between conditions like vitiligo and tinea versicolor is crucial for proper medical care, it’s equally important to recognize the psychological impact of these conditions and the diverse ways individuals may choose to address them.

As we move forward, a balanced approach that respects individual choices, promotes education and awareness, and supports holistic well-being will be essential. By fostering a society that celebrates skin diversity and empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and appearance, we can create a more inclusive and understanding world for everyone, regardless of their skin condition.

Why I Said ‘Goodbye’ to Treatments as a Girl with Vitiligo

Treatment

Shawna Simmons Photography

Zoila Holt

Zoila Holt is a lifestyle blogger, student and YouTube junkie…

I remember the day like it was yesterday. I was a little girl with vitiligo, standing in the bathroom in my pink panties, covered in wet blue shampoo from head to toe. Once my mom gave me the okay, I would run around the house to help dry the shampoo on my body. I had so much fun running around all blue – I thought it was hilarious. The “blue” was Selsun Blue, a dandruff shampoo that our family doctor thought would help heal my vitiligo. Little did I know, it was just the start of years of treatments.

Treating My Skin as a Girl with Vitiligo

I started light therapy and cream treatments as a teenager. The light therapy would, in a good way, burn my white patches like a sunburn and they would turn pink. Pink meant life in my skin, which meant pigmentation would return. It was good news for my skin, but it hurt just like a regular sunburn and I felt ugly looking in the mirror and seeing my burnt body. Brown and white skin was bad enough – now I was pink too.

I didn’t like having to go to these treatments, but to my parents, it wasn’t an option. While they meant well, they would get disappointed in me when I didn’t go to light therapy sessions or would forget to apply the cream. I heard a lot of lectures about the benefits of the treatments, but they couldn’t see how hard it was for me. Going to light therapy a couple times a week was just more opportunities for me to leave the house and be stared at. More than that, the treatments were exhausting. After countless sessions, I would start to see progress and my naturally tanned skin would return. But it wasn’t a permanent solution and after even a short break, the results would fade.

Why I Said ‘Goodbye’ to Treatments

After years of being burnt, embarrassed and frustrated with treatments, I ended up missing a handful of light therapy sessions and the pigmentation on my face reverted back to vitiligo. It was as if I had wasted years of my life. I felt disheartened, cheated, robbed, hurt, sad, angry, ugly, hopeless and alone. My dermatologist noticed my frustration and tried having a heart-to-heart conversation, but I was angry. As he talked about other options, it suddenly hit me – I was done with treatments.

So much of my life was spent treating my skin because I needed to “get better.” I was raised with the idea that I needed a treatment to help me get better. But the only thing I needed to do was to love my skin the way it was. I decided that it was time to embrace my skin, take care of my mental health and love the girl looking back at me in the mirror. My joy should not be based on the number of light treatments I went to last week or how much of my pigmentation is returning. True happiness comes from loving yourself despite that.

Zoila Holt

Zoila Holt is a lifestyle blogger, student and YouTube junkie who loves to sing. Originally from El Salvador, these days she calls Vancouver home.

Zoila Holt August 15, 2016

Distinguish Between Tinea Versicolor and Vitiligo

If you notice light- or dark-colored areas on your skin, you may wonder what’s causing them and how to treat them. Two common causes of skin discoloration are tinea versicolor and vitiligo. Even though these skin conditions may look similar, they have different causes, and you’ll need to try different strategies to get them to clear up.

Jordan Abbott, MD, a dermatologist with Banner Health, explained more about what these conditions look like and how to treat them.

Tinea versicolor (TV), also called pityriasis versicolor, develops when too much yeast grows on your skin. The excessive yeast leads to a rash that looks like round flat patches which can be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. It most often strikes the chest and back.

Vitiligo is an acquired disorder of depigmentation of the skin. “Normally your skin has pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. They produce melanin, which gives the skin its color. In vitiligo patches, these pigment-producing cells are absent,” Dr. Abbott said.

Both conditions can appear as light spots on the skin, and they don’t usually have any other symptoms. “If you didn’t see them, you wouldn’t know they were there,” Dr. Abbott said. In rare cases, tinea versicolor can be slightly itchy or dry. Neither condition is contagious, so don’t worry about catching TV or vitiligo if you touch someone who has it. Both can develop in people with any skin color.

How can you tell them apart?

TV and vitiligo usually affect different parts of your body. You’ll usually spot signs of vitiligo on the face, hands, elbows and knees. It’s unusual to see tinea versicolor on the hands or legs. TV is most common on the chest or back.

And the discoloration isn’t the same for both conditions. “While they both can have spots that are lighter than the surrounding skin, the color appears different to a trained eye,” Dr. Abbott said. TV can be a few shades lighter than the unaffected skin, due to decreased pigment in these spots. With vitiligo, the skin lacks all pigment in the affected areas, so it appears chalk or milk white. 

What to know about tinea versicolor

Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection caused by a yeast called Malassezia, also known as Pityrosporum. This yeast normally grows on your skin and usually doesn’t cause any trouble unless here’s an overgrowth—that’s what causes tinea versicolor. 

Heat, humidity and excessive sweating can trigger TV, so you see it more often in tropical climates. People also may develop this condition in the spring when the weather warms up. Oily skin is another risk factor, so it is more common in teens and young adults. And athletes are also at risk because of the sweaty, humid environment underneath their uniforms or workout clothes. To keep tinea versicolor infection from recurring, you should avoid excessive sweating, sun exposure and heat. Wearing sunscreen or protective clothing and opting for loose-fitting garments made of cotton can help reduce sweating.

How to diagnose and treat tinea versicolor

Your health care provider can usually diagnose tinea versicolor by observation—it looks different than vitiligo and other skin conditions. They might use a tool called a Wood lamp which uses utraviolet light to see the patches more clearly.

If you’re diagnosed with TV, your dermatologist will probably recommend a short course of topical antifungal treatments you apply to your skin or take by mouth to help the rash clear up. 

“It may sound funny, but one of the common treatments is to use anti-dandruff shampoo, like selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue) as a body wash in the shower,” Dr. Abbott said. That’s because the same yeast that causes TV may also cause dandruff. “It works best when you lather the product on your skin and allow it to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.” 

Some people who get tinea versicolor repeatedly use dandruff shampoo as body wash regularly to keep it at bay. Because the yeast that causes TV lives on your skin all the time, flare-ups are common.

What to know about vitiligo

Vitiligo is believed to be an autoimmune disorder where your immune system’s cells attack the melanocytes that produce pigment in your skin. It can be associated with other autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease and type 1 diabetes. People commonly see it start around age 20. Some medications, such as immunotherapy used to treat certain cancers, can trigger vitiligo.

How to diagnose and treat vitiligo

Like TV, doctors can often diagnose vitiligo by examining your skin. If they need more information, they may take a skin biopsy so the cells can be evaluated in a lab.

If you have vitiligo, your doctor may recommend skin creams, pills or light therapy (phototherapy) for treatment. If the affected areas are smaller (less than 5% to 10% of your skin), you’ll probably try a skin cream first. 

If vitiligo is spreading quickly, your doctor may prefer an oral medication that can help slow down or stop the spread.