What are the main symptoms of tinea versicolor. How is tinea versicolor diagnosed. What are the most effective treatments for tinea versicolor. Can tinea versicolor be prevented. How long does it take for tinea versicolor to clear up. Are there any home remedies for tinea versicolor. What lifestyle changes can help manage tinea versicolor.

Understanding Tinea Versicolor: A Common Fungal Skin Condition

Tinea versicolor, also known as pityriasis versicolor, is a fungal infection that affects the skin, causing small patches of discolored spots. This condition results from an overgrowth of a type of yeast called Malassezia, which naturally lives on human skin. When this yeast grows out of control, it leads to the characteristic rash and discoloration associated with tinea versicolor.

The acidic bleach produced by the growing yeast causes areas of skin to differ in color from the surrounding skin. These discolored patches can appear as individual spots or larger areas, making the condition easily noticeable and sometimes distressing for those affected.

Who is at risk for developing tinea versicolor?

Tinea versicolor can affect people of any skin color, but it is more commonly observed in teens and young adults. Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing this condition:

• Oily skin
• Living in a hot, humid climate
• Excessive sweating
• Hormonal changes
• Weakened immune system

It’s important to note that tinea versicolor is not contagious, as the yeast responsible for the condition is naturally present on everyone’s skin.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Tinea Versicolor

Identifying tinea versicolor is crucial for proper treatment and management. The condition presents with several distinct symptoms:

• Patches of discolored skin that may be white, pink, red, or brown
• Spots that are lighter or darker than the surrounding skin
• Areas that don’t tan like the rest of the skin
• Spots that become more pronounced after sun exposure
• Dry and scaly patches that may occasionally itch or cause discomfort
• Symptoms that worsen in warm, humid weather and improve in cooler conditions

These spots most commonly appear on the neck, chest, back, and arms, but can occur anywhere on the body. The appearance and intensity of symptoms can vary depending on factors such as climate and individual skin characteristics.

How does tinea versicolor differ from other skin conditions?

While tinea versicolor has distinctive features, it can sometimes be confused with other skin conditions. Two conditions that may present similar symptoms are:

1. Vitiligo: A disease that causes loss of skin color in patches
2. Pityriasis rosea: A rash that produces small spots fanning out across the body in a tree-like pattern

However, these conditions have unique characteristics that allow dermatologists to differentiate them from tinea versicolor, such as specific texture and rash patterns.

Diagnosing Tinea Versicolor: Methods and Procedures

Accurate diagnosis of tinea versicolor is essential for effective treatment. In many cases, a dermatologist can diagnose the condition simply by examining the appearance of the rash. However, when additional information is needed, several diagnostic tests can be employed:

Wood Lamp Examination

This test involves using ultraviolet light (black light) to examine the affected skin areas. Under this light, tinea versicolor patches may appear as a fluorescent coppery-orange color, helping to confirm the diagnosis.

Microscopy with Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)

In this procedure, the doctor removes cells from the patient’s skin and soaks them in potassium hydroxide. The sample is then examined under a microscope to identify the presence of the Malassezia yeast.

Skin Biopsy

A skin biopsy involves scraping some skin and scales from the affected area for microscopic examination. For children, a less invasive method using clear tape to lift off skin cells may be employed. This sample can be directly applied to a microscope slide for analysis.

Effective Treatments for Tinea Versicolor

The treatment of tinea versicolor depends on factors such as the size, location, and severity of the infected area. Available treatment options include:

Topical Antifungal Medications

These are applied directly to the skin and come in various forms such as lotions, shampoos, creams, foams, or soaps. They work by controlling yeast growth. Over-the-counter options containing ingredients like clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, zinc-pyrithione, selenium sulfide, and terbinafine are available. For more severe cases, prescription-strength topical antifungals may be necessary.

Oral Antifungal Medications

In cases of extensive or recurrent tinea versicolor, oral antifungal pills may be prescribed. These medications can clear the infection more quickly but may have side effects. Patients taking oral antifungals should be monitored by their healthcare provider.

It’s important to note that while treatment usually eliminates the fungal infection, skin discoloration may take several months to fully resolve.

Preventing Recurrence: Long-term Management of Tinea Versicolor

Given that the yeast causing tinea versicolor is a normal part of skin flora, recurrence is common. To help prevent future episodes, especially for those living in warm, humid climates, the following measures can be taken:

• Use medicated cleansers once a week for 10 minutes at a time for several months
• Maintain this cleansing routine if infections keep returning
• Use an anti-fungal shampoo daily for a couple of days before sun exposure

Lifestyle Modifications to Manage Tinea Versicolor

In addition to medical treatments, certain lifestyle changes can help manage tinea versicolor and reduce the likelihood of recurrence:

• Avoid using oily skin products that may promote yeast growth
• Limit sun exposure, as it can trigger or worsen episodes and make the rash more visible
• Apply broad-spectrum, non-greasy sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily
• Use dandruff shampoos containing selenium sulfide
• Wear loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics
• Keep skin dry and cool to create an environment less favorable for yeast growth

Living with Tinea Versicolor: Emotional and Social Aspects

While tinea versicolor is a harmless condition from a medical standpoint, it can have significant emotional and social impacts on those affected. The visible nature of the skin discoloration can lead to self-consciousness and emotional distress, particularly in teenagers and young adults who may be more sensitive to changes in their appearance.

How can individuals cope with the psychological effects of tinea versicolor?

Coping with the psychological aspects of tinea versicolor involves several strategies:

• Education: Understanding the condition and its non-contagious nature can help alleviate anxiety
• Support groups: Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide emotional support
• Counseling: Professional help may be beneficial for those struggling with self-image issues
• Positive self-talk: Reminding oneself that the condition is temporary and treatable can boost confidence
• Focusing on treatment: Actively engaging in treatment and prevention can provide a sense of control

It’s important for healthcare providers to address both the physical and emotional aspects of tinea versicolor when treating patients.

Tinea Versicolor in Special Populations

While tinea versicolor can affect anyone, certain populations may require special considerations in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and management.

Tinea Versicolor in Children

Although less common in children, tinea versicolor can occur in this age group. Diagnosis and treatment approaches may need to be adjusted:

• Gentler diagnostic methods, such as the tape lift technique for skin sampling
• Careful selection of topical treatments suitable for sensitive skin
• Emphasis on prevention and education for both children and caregivers

Tinea Versicolor in Immunocompromised Individuals

People with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to tinea versicolor and may experience more severe or persistent cases:

• More aggressive treatment approaches may be necessary
• Close monitoring for potential complications or systemic spread of the infection
• Emphasis on preventive measures to avoid recurrence

Tinea Versicolor in Pregnancy

Pregnant women with tinea versicolor require special consideration to ensure the safety of both mother and fetus:

• Careful selection of treatment options, avoiding potentially harmful medications
• Focus on topical treatments when possible
• Consultation with obstetricians to determine the safest course of action

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Tinea Versicolor Treatment

As our understanding of tinea versicolor continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new avenues for treatment and prevention. Some promising areas of investigation include:

Novel Antifungal Agents

Scientists are working on developing new antifungal compounds that may be more effective against Malassezia yeast or have fewer side effects than current treatments.

Probiotic Approaches

Research is being conducted on the potential use of beneficial bacteria to restore balance to the skin microbiome and prevent overgrowth of Malassezia yeast.

Targeted Immunotherapies

Studies are exploring ways to enhance the skin’s natural defenses against fungal overgrowth, potentially offering long-term protection against tinea versicolor.

Improved Diagnostic Tools

Development of more accurate and efficient diagnostic methods could lead to earlier detection and more effective treatment of tinea versicolor.

These ongoing research efforts hold promise for improving the management of tinea versicolor and enhancing the quality of life for those affected by this common skin condition.

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:

• 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.

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What is tinea versicolor?

The fungus Malassezia is a type of yeast found on the surface of the skin. It normally doesn’t cause any health problems. In fact, many of the microbiota (or microscopic organisms), including yeasts like Malassezia, that live in large communities on your skin help protect you from infections and other pathogens that can cause harm or disease. They live alongside your body’s cells in symbiotic relationships, with skin cells and tiny organisms supporting and benefiting each other.

Sometimes, however, this yeast can grow out of control and affect the natural color or pigmentationof your skin. When this happens, you may develop patches of skin that are lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. This condition, which isn’t contagious, is known as tinea versicolor, or pityriasis versicolor. The condition occurs when a type of yeast from the Malassezia family causes an infection or suppresses your immune system.

Tinea versicolor occurs when Malassezia grows rapidly on the surface of the skin. Doctors aren’t sure why this happens. Some factors may promote the growth of this yeast on the skin, including:

• hot and humid weather
• excessive sweating
• oily skin
• a weakened immune system
• hormonal changes

Tinea versicolor can occur in people from all ethnic backgrounds, and it’s more common in adolescents and young adults. Adults are more likely to develop tinea versicolor if they visit an area with a subtropical climate.

Discolored patches of skin are the most noticeable symptom of tinea versicolor, and these patches usually show up on the arms, chest, neck, or back. These patches may be:

• lighter (more common) or darker than the surrounding skin
• pink, red, tan, or brown
• dry, itchy, and scaly
• more prominent with tanning
• prone to disappear in cooler, less humid weather

Tinea versicolor that develops in people with dark skin may result in the loss of skin color, known as hypopigmentation. For some people, the skin may darken instead of lighten. This condition is known as hyperpigmentation.

Some individuals who develop tinea versicolor don’t have any significant changes in their skin color or appearance.

In addition to changes in the color of your skin, you may also experience itchy skin.

Similar conditions

Some conditions with overlapping symptoms, such as vitiligo, are often mistaken for tinea versicolor. However, vitiligo can differ from tinea versicolor in several noticeable ways, including:

• Vitiligo doesn’t affect your skin’s texture.
• Vitiligo usually appears on the fingers, wrists, armpits, mouth, eyes, or groin.
• Vitiligo often forms patches that are symmetrical.

The rash caused by pityriasis rosea is also similar to tinea versicolor, but this rash is usually preceded by a “herald patch,” a lone red patch of scaly skin that appears a few days or weeks before the rash. This rash typically appears in the shape of a Christmas tree on the back. It’s not known what causes this condition. But, like tinea versicolor, it’s neither harmful nor contagious.

Various environmental and biological factors can put you at a higher risk for this condition, including:

• a family history of tinea versicolor
• excessive sweating
• a humid, warm climate
• a weak immune system
• taking medications that weaken the immune system
• some types of cancer

If you develop symptoms of tinea versicolor, you may choose to treat the condition yourself. Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medications can eliminate discolored patches of skin. However, you should contact your doctor if these treatments aren’t effective. You may need a prescription medication to control your symptoms.

Shop for antifungal creams.

Looking for doctors with the most experience treating tinea versicolor? Use the doctor search tool below, powered by our partner Amino. You can find the most experienced doctors, filtered by your insurance, location, and other preferences. Amino can also help book your appointment for free.

See your doctor if strangely colored patches develop on your skin and you can’t treat them at home. Your doctor will examine your skin and may be able to tell if you have tinea versicolor just by looking at the patches.

If a diagnosis can’t be made by looking at the skin, your doctor may take a skin scraping. A skin scraping removes cells from your skin for testing by scraping the skin gently. The cells are viewed under a microscope to see if they contain the yeast that causes this condition. Your doctor can conduct a potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopy. In this procedure, your doctor takes a skin sample, places it on a microscope slide with a solution of 20 percent KOH, and looks for yeast or hyphae fungi under a microscope.

Your doctor might also take a biopsy, or tissue sample, of the affected skin and test for fungi on the outer skin layer. A sample of the fungus on the skin can also be tested in a fungal culture to see if you have the condition.

Your doctor may also use a Wood’s lamp to look at your skin. This special machine, which uses ultraviolet light, is held 4 to 5 inches from your skin. If yeast is present, the affected skin will appear yellow or green under the light.

If your symptoms aren’t severe, you may choose to treat your condition at home. OTC antifungal creams or shampoos may be effective for killing the infection. Examples of OTC medications that can be used to treat tinea versicolor include:

• clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF, Mycelex)
• miconazole (Monistat, M-Zole)
• selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue shampoo)
• terbinafine (Lamisil)

If you seek medical attention for tinea versicolor, your doctor may prescribe different medications, such as topical creams that can be applied directly to the skin. Examples include:

• ciclopirox (Loprox, Penlac)
• ketoconazole (Extina, Nizoral)

Your doctor may also prescribe pills to treat tinea versicolor, including:

• fluconazole (Diflucan)
• itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox)
• ketoconazole

If you’re diagnosed with tinea versicolor, treatment will improve your long-term outlook. However, even after eliminating the infection, your skin may remain discolored for several weeks or months following treatment. Your infection may also return when the weather becomes warmer and more humid. If your condition returns, your doctor may prescribe medication once or twice per month to prevent symptoms.

It can be difficult to prevent a recurrence of this condition. If you’ve been diagnosed with tinea versicolor and you’ve successfully treated it, there are steps you can take to prevent future infections. These include:

• avoiding excessive heat
• avoiding tanning or excessive sun exposure
• avoiding excessive sweating

You can also help prevent tinea versicolor by using a prescription-strength skin treatment during times of the year when you’re most susceptible to it.

Q:

What natural remedies have been shown to help tinea versicolor?

Anonymous patient

A:

Tinea versicolor is a common fungal skin infection that can be easily treated by your physician. There are steps you can take to help as well, including:

• Avoid excessive heat and sweating.
• Use a dandruff shampoo with selenium every few weeks.

Other natural, or nonmedication, remedies haven’t been well-studied and haven’t clearly been demonstrated to be effective for this purpose.

Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

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Treatment of shingles (herpes zoster) in Samara in the private clinic “Vocation”

Shingles is a serious infectious disease caused by the herpes virus. Inflammations differ in the volume of the rash, the depth of damage and the severity of the course. According to the severity, mild, moderate and severe herpes zoster are distinguished. The entire cycle of the disease is usually 2-3 weeks. The probability of getting sick during life is 10-20%. The main risk factor for the appearance of herpes zoster is a decrease in immunity (most patients are over 55 years old), malignant neoplasms, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, HIV infection.

Varieties of herpes zoster: without complications, with encephalitis, with meningitis, with eye complications, with pneumonia, with other complications.

Main symptoms of shingles:

Causes of shingles

You can get infected with herpes zoster by airborne droplets (droplets of saliva when sneezing, kissing, etc.), contact, due to blood transfusion. Perhaps intrauterine infection and infection during childbirth, during lactation. Also, the appearance of herpes zoster may be due to a weakened immune system in people who had chicken pox (chickenpox) in childhood, since the diseases are caused by the same virus that persists in the body for life.

Diagnosis of herpes zoster (herpes zoster)

The following methods are used to diagnose shingles:

1. External examination by a dermatologist

An initial assessment of the patient’s condition is made, the severity of the disease is identified.

1. Medical history (examination of the history and possible cause of the disease)

A dermatologist at the Vocation Clinic will carefully study the patient’s medical history and help identify the causes that led to its occurrence. Treatment of herpes zoster is closely related to the identification of factors that reduce the patient’s immunity, so the diagnosis of the disease may require consultation and examination of other doctors (neurologist, gastroenterologist, immunologist, and others).

Herpes zoster treatment

Treatment in the clinic “Vocation” is carried out with the use of antiviral drugs, immunostimulation and immunomodulation under the supervision of the attending dermatologist. Additional studies may also be carried out: ECG, Zanka test.

Complications of shingles (herpes)

In patients with normal immunity, the rash disappears after 2-3 weeks. Complications that are local and general are possible. Local include bleeding and gangrene (appearance of pus). The common ones are meningoencephalitis, cerebrovascular accidents, the ocular form of herpes zoster, Hunt’s syndrome (damage to the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve), paresis, transverse myelitis, pneumonia, hepatitis, myocarditis, pancreatitis, cystitis, arthritis.

Shingles can cause neurological complications in the form of inflammation of the nerve ganglia (ganglionitis) with skin lesions along the corresponding nerves. Therefore, at the first signs of illness, it is extremely important to come for a consultation with a dermatovenereologist !

Treatment of herpes zoster (herpes zoster) in Samara

You can undergo a thorough examination and a course of treatment at dermatovenereologist at the Vocation Clinic , by pre-registering by phone 8 (846) 300-40-72

Attention! The information posted on the site is for informational purposes only. You can get more accurate information from our specialists.

A case of herpes zoster disguised as dorsopathy of the thoracic spine

Nikolaenko
Anastasia Alexandrovna

About the author

Infectionist

Experience — 10 years

Lux Medical Center

Publication date August 5, 2019 Updated August 13, 2019

Introduction

On December 15, 2018, a 43-year-old woman complained of severe pain in the back area disturbing her for the second day.

Complaints

Pain in the back radiated to the chest on the right. The patient also complained of general weakness, headache and sweating.

Movement aggravated the symptoms. “Nimesulide” relieved the pain, but not for long.

Anamnesis

She fell ill the night before, when she noted the appearance of pain in the back and chest on the right side of a burning character.

December 15 was examined by a therapist: the skin is clean; palpation of the thoracic spine is painful; body temperature 36. 6°C; there are no catarrhal symptoms. Heart sounds are clear, rhythmic. Blood pressure 120/80 mm Hg. Heart rate 78 per minute. Breathing in the lungs is vesicular, no wheezing. A diagnosis of dorsopathy of the thoracic spine was made. Anti-inflammatory treatment was prescribed, a consultation with a neurologist, a physiotherapist and exercise therapy was recommended, and a visit to the local doctor was recommended. Sick leave issued.

On the evening of December 17, the patient noted the appearance of blisters in the subscapular region with severe itching and pain, the temperature rose to 38.7°C. In the morning, turning to the reception, I got an appointment with an infectious disease specialist.

She had a history of chickenpox at the age of 12. At the moment, everyone in the family is healthy. Works as an engineer in a factory. Two weeks ago, she had an acute respiratory viral infection on her legs, she was treated on her own. Notes hypothermia five days ago on the way home from work.

Examination

At the appointment with the infectious disease specialist, she complained of weakness, headache, fever, rashes on her back and chest with severe burning pain.

During the examination, the skin is moist, with blisters in the subscapular region on the right, transition to the right mammary gland, edema and hyperemia (redness). Body temperature 37.5°C. Breathing in the lungs is vesicular, no wheezing. NPV 20 per minute. The heart sounds are clear, the rhythm is correct. Blood pressure 120/80 mm Hg. Heart rate 88 per minute. The abdomen is soft and painless. Stool and urination are normal. 99/liter; ESR 20 mm/h; lymphocytosis – an increased level of lymphocytes in the blood; hemoglobin 125 g/l.
⠀•⠀General urine analysis: leukocytes 2-3; protein 0; squamous epithelium 1-2; density 1022.
⠀•⠀ Tests for syphilis, antibodies to HIV and hepatitis B and C: negative.

Diagnosis

Shingles of the back and breast on the right

Treatment

Medical treatment prescribed:
1.