What is tinea versicolor. How is it diagnosed. What are the causes and risk factors. How to get rid of tinea versicolor naturally at home using essential oils, baking soda, garlic, vitamins, yogurt, and more.

What Is Tinea Versicolor?

Tinea versicolor is a skin condition caused by a fungus called Malassezia. This fungus normally lives on the surface of the skin, but can sometimes grow out of control and cause discoloration of the skin. As a result, you may develop patches that are lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.

According to a study, the prevalence of tinea versicolor in the US is 0.67%. Black and Hispanic populations, as well as physically disabled individuals, were found to be at higher risk of developing this condition.

Symptoms Of Tinea Versicolor

The main symptom of tinea versicolor is the appearance of discolored skin patches. These patches can occur on various parts of the body, such as the arms, chest, neck, or back. The patches may be red, brown, pink, or slightly tanned, and can be itchy, scaly, and dry. They may become more evident with tanning and disappear in cooler, less humid weather.

Causes And Risk Factors For Tinea Versicolor

The exact cause of the uncontrolled growth of the Malassezia fungus is not yet known, but certain factors are known to promote its growth and increase the risk of infection. These include:

• Hot and/or humid climate
• Sweating a lot
• Oily skin
• Weak immunity
• Hormonal changes

Other risk factors include a family history of tinea versicolor, living in a subtropical climate, taking medications that weaken the immune system or disrupt hormonal balance, and having cancer.

How Is Tinea Versicolor Diagnosed?

Tinea versicolor can usually be diagnosed by a visual examination of the skin. However, if a diagnosis is not possible, your doctor may perform additional tests, such as:

1. Skin scraping test: Scraping the affected skin and observing it under a microscope for the fungus.
2. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopy: Observing scraped skin with a KOH solution under a microscope.
3. Biopsy: Testing the outer layer of the skin.
4. Wood’s lamp test: Using a special machine that uses ultraviolet rays to check for the presence of fungus on the skin.

Home Remedies To Treat Tinea Versicolor

If the presence of the fungus is confirmed, you can start treatment at home using various natural remedies, including:

Essential Oils

a. Tea Tree Oil: Mix 7 drops of tea tree oil with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and apply the mixture to the affected areas. Leave it on for 30-60 minutes before washing it off. Do this 2-3 times daily.

b. Eucalyptus Oil: Mix 6-7 drops of eucalyptus oil with 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil (such as coconut or jojoba oil). Massage the mixture into the affected areas and leave it on for 30-40 minutes before washing it off. Do this multiple times daily.

Baking Soda

Make a paste by mixing baking soda with water and apply it to the affected areas. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off. Do this 1-2 times per day.

Garlic

Crush a few garlic cloves and apply the juice directly to the affected areas. Leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it off. Repeat this process 1-2 times per day.

Vitamins

Taking supplements containing vitamins A, C, and E may help boost your immune system and reduce the severity of tinea versicolor.

Yogurt

Apply plain, unsweetened yogurt to the affected areas and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it off. Do this 1-2 times per day.

Coconut Oil

Apply virgin coconut oil to the affected areas and leave it on overnight. Wash it off in the morning. Repeat this process daily.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water. Apply the solution to the affected areas using a cotton ball. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off. Do this 1-2 times per day.

Aloe Vera

Cut an aloe vera leaf and extract the gel. Apply the gel directly to the affected areas and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it off. Repeat this process 1-2 times per day.

Castor Oil

Apply a thin layer of castor oil to the affected areas and leave it on overnight. Wash it off in the morning. Repeat this process daily.

Epsom Salt

Add 1-2 cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak in it for 15-20 minutes. Do this 2-3 times per week.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Mix a few drops of grapefruit seed extract with a carrier oil (such as coconut or jojoba oil) and apply the mixture to the affected areas. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it off. Do this 1-2 times per day.

Neem

Boil neem leaves in water, let the solution cool, and apply it to the affected areas. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it off. Do this 1-2 times per day.

Turmeric

Make a paste by mixing turmeric powder with water or coconut oil. Apply the paste to the affected areas and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it off. Do this 1-2 times per day.

Candle Bush Honey

Apply a thin layer of candle bush honey to the affected areas and leave it on overnight. Wash it off in the morning. Repeat this process daily.

Remember, it’s important to be patient and consistent with these home remedies, as it may take several weeks or even months to see significant improvement in your tinea versicolor condition.

When To See A Doctor

If the home remedies do not provide relief or the condition worsens, it’s best to consult a dermatologist. They may prescribe antifungal creams, lotions, or oral medications to effectively treat the infection.

Prevention Tips

To prevent the recurrence of tinea versicolor, consider the following tips:

• Keep your skin clean and dry, especially in hot and humid conditions.
• Avoid excessive sweating and wear breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics.
• Use an antifungal powder or deodorant to help keep your skin dry.
• Maintain a healthy immune system by getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress.
• Consider taking antifungal supplements, such as those containing selenium or zinc, if recommended by your healthcare provider.

By following these home remedies and prevention tips, you can effectively manage and reduce the recurrence of tinea versicolor. Remember to consult a healthcare professional if the condition persists or worsens.