What is tinea versicolor. How does it affect the skin. What are the main symptoms of this fungal infection. How is tinea versicolor diagnosed and treated. What can be done to prevent recurrence.

Understanding Tinea Versicolor: A Common Fungal Skin Infection

Tinea versicolor is a relatively common fungal infection that affects the uppermost layer of the skin. It manifests as scaly, discolored patches on various parts of the body, most commonly the trunk, neck, abdomen, and occasionally the face. This condition is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Malassezia furfur, which normally lives harmlessly on human skin.

What causes tinea versicolor?

The primary cause of tinea versicolor is the overgrowth of Malassezia furfur, a fungus that can exist as both a yeast and a mold. While this organism is typically harmless and present on most people’s skin, certain factors can lead to its overgrowth and subsequent infection. These risk factors include:

• Heat and humidity
• Weakened immune system
• Corticosteroid use
• Pregnancy
• Undernutrition
• Diabetes
• Genetic predisposition

It’s important to note that tinea versicolor is a mild infection and is not considered contagious. This means that you cannot contract it through direct contact with an infected person.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Tinea Versicolor

The symptoms of tinea versicolor are primarily visual, with distinct changes in skin appearance being the most noticeable sign. Understanding these symptoms can help in early detection and treatment.

What are the main symptoms of tinea versicolor?

The primary symptoms of tinea versicolor include:

1. Scaly patches on the skin
2. Discoloration of affected areas
3. Patches that do not tan with the surrounding skin
4. Possible itching (though this is not always present)

The patches caused by tinea versicolor can vary in color, appearing tan, brown, salmon, or white. These patches may join together to form larger areas of discoloration. One unique characteristic of tinea versicolor is that the affected areas do not tan, which can make the condition more noticeable during summer months when the surrounding skin darkens.

How does skin tone affect the appearance of tinea versicolor?

The appearance of tinea versicolor can vary depending on an individual’s natural skin tone:

• In people with naturally dark skin, the patches may appear lighter than the surrounding skin.
• In people with naturally fair skin, the patches may be either darker or lighter than the surrounding skin.

It’s worth noting that tinea versicolor usually does not cause other symptoms beyond the visual changes in skin appearance.

Diagnosing Tinea Versicolor: Methods and Techniques

Accurate diagnosis of tinea versicolor is crucial for effective treatment. Doctors employ several methods to confirm the presence of this fungal infection.

How do doctors diagnose tinea versicolor?

The diagnosis of tinea versicolor typically involves the following steps:

1. Visual examination: Doctors assess the appearance of the skin, looking for the characteristic scaly, discolored patches.
2. Skin scrapings: A sample of the affected skin is taken and examined under a microscope to identify the presence of the fungus.
3. Wood’s lamp examination: An ultraviolet light (Wood’s lamp) may be used to make the infection more visible on the skin.

These diagnostic methods are generally sufficient to confirm the presence of tinea versicolor and rule out other skin conditions with similar appearances.

Treatment Options for Tinea Versicolor

Once diagnosed, tinea versicolor can be effectively treated using various antifungal medications. The choice of treatment often depends on the severity and extent of the infection.

What are the most effective treatments for tinea versicolor?

Treatment options for tinea versicolor include:

• Topical antifungal medications: These are applied directly to the affected areas of the skin.
• Antifungal shampoos: Prescription-strength selenium sulfide shampoo can be effective when applied to affected skin for 10 minutes daily for a week, or as a 24-hour application once weekly for a month.
• Other topical treatments: These may include ketoconazole applied daily for two weeks, zinc pyrithione soap, or sulfur-salicylic shampoo applied to the skin daily for 1-2 weeks.
• Oral antifungal medications: For widespread or recurrent infections, doctors may prescribe oral antifungal drugs such as fluconazole.

It’s important to note that even after successful treatment, the skin may not regain its normal pigmentation for several months or even years.

Preventing Recurrence: Strategies for Long-Term Management

Tinea versicolor has a tendency to recur, even after successful treatment. This is because the fungus that causes the infection naturally lives on the skin. However, there are strategies to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

How can you prevent tinea versicolor from coming back?

To lower the chances of tinea versicolor recurring, consider the following preventive measures:

• Practice meticulous hygiene
• Use zinc pyrithione soap regularly
• Apply topical treatments monthly as a preventive measure
• Avoid excessive heat and humidity when possible
• Maintain a healthy immune system through proper nutrition and lifestyle habits

Your doctor may recommend a specific preventive regimen based on your individual case and risk factors.

Living with Tinea Versicolor: Impact on Daily Life

While tinea versicolor is generally a mild condition, it can have an impact on an individual’s daily life, particularly due to its visual nature.

How does tinea versicolor affect quality of life?

The effects of tinea versicolor on quality of life can include:

• Self-consciousness about skin appearance
• Discomfort in social situations, especially during summer months when the condition may be more noticeable
• Frustration with recurrent infections
• Need for ongoing skin care and preventive measures

It’s important to remember that tinea versicolor is a common and treatable condition. With proper management and preventive care, its impact on daily life can be minimized.

Advances in Tinea Versicolor Research and Treatment

As with many medical conditions, research into tinea versicolor is ongoing, aiming to improve understanding of the condition and develop more effective treatments.

What are the latest developments in tinea versicolor research?

Recent advancements in tinea versicolor research include:

• Improved understanding of the Malassezia furfur fungus and its interactions with human skin
• Development of new antifungal medications with fewer side effects
• Research into the genetic factors that may predispose individuals to tinea versicolor
• Exploration of natural and alternative treatments for managing the condition

These ongoing research efforts hold promise for more effective prevention and treatment strategies in the future.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Skin Changes

While tinea versicolor is generally not a serious condition, it’s important to know when to consult a healthcare professional about skin changes.

When should you see a doctor about skin discoloration?

Consider seeking medical attention if:

• You notice persistent, unexplained changes in skin color or texture
• Over-the-counter treatments for tinea versicolor are not effective
• The affected areas are spreading or causing significant discomfort
• You have a weakened immune system and develop symptoms of tinea versicolor
• You’re unsure whether the skin changes are due to tinea versicolor or another condition

A dermatologist or primary care physician can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.

In conclusion, tinea versicolor is a common fungal skin infection that, while generally mild, can cause noticeable changes in skin appearance. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help individuals manage the condition effectively and minimize its impact on daily life. With proper care and preventive measures, most people can successfully control tinea versicolor and maintain healthy skin.

Tinea Versicolor – Skin Disorders

By

Denise M. Aaron

, MD, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine

Reviewed/Revised Sep 2021 | Modified Sep 2022

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Topic Resources

Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection of the topmost layer of the skin causing scaly, discolored patches.

• This infection is caused by a type of fungus.

• Typically, people have scaly patches of skin.

• The diagnosis is based on appearance and skin scrapings.

• This infection often returns.

• Antifungal skin products, shampoos, and sometimes drugs taken by mouth are used to treat the infection.

(See also Overview of Fungal Skin Infections Overview of Fungal Skin Infections Fungi usually make their homes in moist areas of the body where skin surfaces meet: between the toes, in the genital area, and under the breasts. Common fungal skin infections are caused by… read more .)

The infection is caused by Malassezia furfur and is quite common, especially among young adults. Malassezia furfur is a type of fungus that can exist as both a yeast and a mold. Yeast and mold are terms that are used to describe what the fungus looks like under a microscope.

Malassezia furfur is typically harmless and normally lives on the skin but in some people causes tinea versicolor. Most affected people are healthy. Some people may be genetically predisposed to overgrowth of this fungus.

Other risk factors for tinea versicolor include heat and humidity and an immune system weakened by corticosteroid use, pregnancy, undernutrition, diabetes, or other disorders.

Tinea versicolor is a mild infection and is not considered contagious.

Tinea versicolor causes many tan, brown, salmon, or white scaly patches to appear on the trunk, neck, abdomen, and occasionally the face. The patches may join to form larger patches. The patches do not tan, so in summer, when the surrounding skin tans, the patches may become obvious. People with naturally dark skin may notice lighter patches. People with naturally fair skin may get darker or lighter patches. Tinea versicolor usually does not cause other symptoms.

Tinea Versicolor on the Back

This photo shows multiple pink, scaly patches on the back. These patches are typical of tinea versicolor.

Image provided by Thomas Habif, MD.

Tan Patch of Tinea Versicolor

© Springer Science+Business Media

Brown Patches of Tinea Versicolor on the Neck

© Springer Science+Business Media

Doctors diagnose tinea versicolor by the appearance of the skin and by looking at skin scrapings Scrapings Doctors can identify many skin disorders simply by looking at the skin. A full skin examination includes examination of the scalp, nails, and mucous membranes. Sometimes the doctor uses a hand-held… read more under a microscope to see the fungus.

Doctors may use an ultraviolet light (called a Wood light Wood light (black light) Doctors can identify many skin disorders simply by looking at the skin. A full skin examination includes examination of the scalp, nails, and mucous membranes. Sometimes the doctor uses a hand-held… read more ) to show the infection on the skin more clearly.

The skin may not regain its normal pigmentation for many months or years after the infection is gone.

Tinea versicolor commonly comes back after successful treatment because the yeast that causes it normally lives on the skin.

Any antifungal drugs applied directly to the affected areas (topical) may be used to treat tinea versicolor. Prescription-strength selenium sulfide shampoo is effective if applied to affected skin (not just the scalp) for 10 minutes a day for 1 week or for one 24-hour application each week for one month. Other treatments include applying topical ketoconazole daily for 2 weeks and bathing with zinc pyrithione soap or applying sulfur-salicylic shampoo to the skin daily for 1 to 2 weeks. (See also table Some Antifungal Drugs Applied to the Skin (Topical Drugs) Some Antifungal Drugs Applied to the Skin (Topical Drugs) .)

Antifungal drugs taken by mouth, such as fluconazole, are sometimes used to treat people who have a widespread infection ( see Table: Drugs for Serious Fungal Infections Drugs for Serious Fungal Infections ) or frequent infections.

To lower the chance of the infection coming back, many doctors recommend practicing meticulous hygiene and using zinc pyrithione soap regularly or one of the other topical treatments monthly.

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Everything You Need to Know About Tinea Versicolor

Posted by: Skin And Cancer Institute in Uncategorized

Summer is the perfect time to show off your glowing skin, but what if you start seeing patches of discoloration on your body? You might have tinea versicolor, a common fungal infection that can be treated easily. Keep reading to learn more about this condition and how to get rid of it.

What is tinea versicolor and what are the symptoms?

A common skin infection, tinea versicolor is caused by a type of fungus that lives on the surface of the skin and feeds on the natural oils produced by the skin. The symptoms of tinea versicolor include discolored patches that can either be lighter or darker than surrounding skin, itching, and scaling. The infection is most commonly found on the chest and back, but it can also affect other parts of the body.

How do you get tinea versicolor?

The yeast that causes tinea versicolor is called Malassezia, and it naturally lives on the skin. However, an overgrowth of Malassezia can cause tinea versicolor. This overgrowth is often triggered by warm, humid weather or a weakened immune system.

Who is at risk for tinea versicolor?

Tinea versicolor is most commonly seen in adolescents and young adults, although it can affect people of any age or ethnicity. The condition is more common in people who live in warm, humid climates, and who have oily skin. People with weakened immune systems are also at increased risk for tinea versicolor.

How is tinea versicolor treated and how long does it take to go away completely?

Tinea versicolor is usually not painful or itchy, but it can be embarrassing. The good news is that tinea versicolor is fairly easy to treat. Your doctor can prescribe an antifungal cream or lotion, which you’ll need to apply to the affected areas for two to four weeks. In some cases, oral antifungal medication may also be necessary. With treatment, tinea versicolor usually clears up within four to eight weeks, although it could take longer than that for the skin to return to its normal color. 

Are there any home remedies for tinea versicolor that can help speed up the healing process or prevent it from happening again in the future?”

The best remedy for tinea versicolor is a visit to your dermatologist and the application of antifungal cream. While some people opt for home remedies like baking soda or apple cider vinegar, we recommend that you see a dermatologist and follow their instructions for clearing up the infection instead of taking it into your own hands.

What should you do if you think you have tinea versicolor?”

If you think you might have tinea versicolor, it’s important to see a dermatologist so they can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help manage the condition. Try to keep the affected area clean and dry. Also, try to stay out of the sun because it can cause the spots to become more prominent. 

Can you prevent tinea versicolor from occurring in the first place by taking some simple precautions?

While tinea versicolor is not dangerous, it can be uncomfortable and can cause embarrassment. Fortunately, there are some simple precautions that you can take to help prevent the infection from occurring in the first place. One of the most important things that you can do is to keep your skin clean and dry. Be sure to shower regularly, and make sure that you dry your skin thoroughly after bathing. In addition, you should wear loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics such as cotton. By taking these simple precautions, you can help to prevent tinea versicolor from occurring.

Conclusion

If you have tinea versicolor, it’s important to see a dermatologist so they can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Treatment options include topical antifungal creams or oral antifungal medication. In most cases, tinea versicolor can be effectively treated with antifungal medication. However, it’s important to follow your dermatologist’s instructions for treatment so that the infection doesn’t come back.

FAQ

How is tinea versicolor diagnosed?

Tinea versicolor is typically diagnosed based on the symptoms and appearance of the skin. Your doctor may also do a skin scraping to look for the fungus under a microscope.

What are some of the common side effects of antifungal medication?

The most common side effects of antifungal medication are itching, redness, and irritation at the site of application. In addition, they can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and upset stomach.

What are some of the other potential complications of tinea versicolor?

Other potential complications of tinea versicolor include hyperpigmentation, which is when the skin becomes darker than usual, and hypopigmentation, which is when the skin becomes lighter than usual.

Can tinea versicolor come back after it’s been treated?

Tinea versicolor can come back after treatment, especially if you don’t take measures to prevent it from happening again in the future. To help prevent the infection from returning, be sure to keep your skin clean and dry and avoid sharing towels or other personal items with someone who has tinea versicolor. In addition, you should wear loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics such as cotton. By taking these simple precautions, you can help to prevent tinea versicolor from occurring.

Is there a cure for tinea versicolor?

There is no cure for tinea versicolor, but it can be effectively treated with antifungal medication. However, it’s important to follow your dermatologist’s instructions for treatment so that the infection doesn’t come back.

Will tinea versicolor go away on its own?

Tinea versicolor usually will not go away on its own, and it can actually get worse if it’s not treated. If you think you have tinea versicolor, it’s important to see a dermatologist so that they can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Is tinea versicolor contagious?

Tinea versicolor is not contagious and cannot be spread to others through direct contact with the fungus. It also is not spread indirectly by sharing towels, clothing, or bedding with someone who has the infection.

Pityriasis versicolor – Medina Medical Center +

Pityriasis versicolor (Pityriasis versicolor, as well as beach pityriasis) refers to fungal diseases of the skin. It mainly affects young people between the ages of 14 and 40. As a result, it practically does not occur in children under 7 years of age.

Causes of pityriasis versicolor.

As a consequence, the main causative agent of pityriasis versicolor is a fungus of the genus Pityrosporum orbiculare. It belongs to opportunistic pathogens and is present on the human skin as part of the normal microflora.
The fungus can become pathogenic and cause disease:

• First, if there is excessive sweating
• Second when taking oral contraceptive hormones antibiotics for a long time
• Thirdly, when the pH of sweat changes to the alkaline side

Symptoms of pityriasis versicolor.

The main symptom of pityriasis versicolor is spots of various sizes, oval or round in shape with uneven edges, localized on the skin of the upper part of the body (stomach, chest, neck, as well as shoulders, arms, back, groin, etc.). ).

Lichen is almost never localized on the soles of the feet and hands. Pityriasis versicolor patches on untanned skin can be various shades of creamy pink, brown, yellow, or red. Moreover, different spots can have a different color, as a result of which the disease received one of its names – versicolor versicolor. On tanned skin, the spots become white in color and are very flaky.

Moreover, the greater the amount of sunlight received by the skin, the whiter the spots become and the more they peel off. Pityriasis versicolor patches may itch moderately or mildly. Over time, without treatment, more and more areas of the skin are affected and a pronounced cosmetic defect occurs.

Diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor.

Pityriasis versicolor is often immediately diagnosed at a dermatologist’s consultation during examination and dermatoscopy of discolored skin areas. To confirm the diagnosis, the Balzer iodine test is performed.
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.

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, as well as terbinafine, bifonazole, clotrimazole, cycloperox, etc.

Prevention.

Prevention of recurrence of pityriasis versicolor includes repeated antifungal treatment, regular water treatments and therapy for hyperhidrosis.

If such symptoms appear, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist, who will conduct diagnostic tests, microscopy of scrapings from spots, iodine test, Wood’s lamp examination and prescribe treatment.

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PANTIBROUS > Read the publications of doctors of the MEDIAN clinic ia. It mostly worsens in the spring. It is characterized by a long course, damage to the epidermal layers of the skin with the appearance of spots of different colors on it. This disease is also called colored or multi-colored. In the people, the disease is called solar lichen. The disease is ubiquitous, but most common in regions with a hot and humid climate. Mostly people of young and middle age are ill, it is extremely rare – children and the elderly.

This disease begins with the appearance on the skin of small spots the size of a pinhead, which in different patients have the most pink spots, and then yellow or brown, light brown (hence the name – multi-colored lichen). Spots tend to merge to form large foci, but can exist in isolation. There are no inflammatory phenomena, there is a slight scaly peeling (due to loosening of the stratum corneum by the fungus). Only the stratum corneum of the epidermis is affected.

Causes of pityriasis versicolor.

The fact is that the fungus of the genus Malassezia is always present in the human body. However, it is activated under certain conditions, for example, with vegetative-vascular diseases, with a decrease in immunity, with an increase in oily skin and sweating. Basically, the disease appears on a tanned body. Spots on the neck, back, thighs, abdomen, on the forearms are the color of coffee with milk.

This disease can be transmitted through personal hygiene through clothing, towels, bedding. Pityriasis versicolor is not aggressive, but at its first manifestations, it is necessary to seek help from a dermatologist as soon as possible. If the disease is started, the skin will acquire a leopard color for a very long time.

To diagnose pityriasis versicolor, the following is performed:

Iodine test (Balser test), for this, the affected skin is smeared with iodine tincture and immediately wiped with alcohol (the latter is optional; mandatory): the stratum corneum loosened by the fungus quickly absorbs iodine and spots of pityriasis versicolor stand out sharply, turning dark brown against the background of slightly yellowed, undamaged skin. In the absence of iodine solution, aniline dyes can be used.

Skin scraping, when viewed under a microscope, should show yeast.

Under a Wood’s fluorescent lamp in a darkened room, cells

versicolor give a reddish-yellow, greenish-blue or brown

glow.

How is pityriasis versicolor treated?

The dermatologist must select the appropriate treatment. As a rule, the treatment of multi-colored lichen in humans occurs with the help of sprays, ointments, solutions. If the spots are spread over a wide area of ​​the skin, then most likely the doctor will prescribe a course of pills.