Tinea versicolor | Sparrow

Overview

Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection of the skin. The fungus interferes with the normal pigmentation of the skin, resulting in small, discolored patches. These patches may be lighter or darker in color than the surrounding skin and most commonly affect the trunk and shoulders.

Tinea versicolor (TIN-ee-uh vur-si-KUL-ur) occurs most frequently in teens and young adults. Sun exposure may make tinea versicolor more apparent. Tinea versicolor, which is also called pityriasis versicolor, is not painful or contagious. But it can lead to emotional distress or self-consciousness.

Antifungal creams, lotions or shampoos can help treat tinea versicolor. But even after successful treatment, skin color may remain uneven for several weeks or months. Tinea versicolor often recurs, especially in warm, humid weather.

Symptoms

Tinea versicolor signs and symptoms include:

• Patches of skin discoloration, usually on the back, chest, neck and upper arms, which may appear lighter or darker than usual
• Mild itching
• Scaling

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if:

• Your skin doesn’t improve with self-care measures
• The fungal infection returns
• The patches cover large areas of your body

Causes

The fungus that causes tinea versicolor can be found on healthy skin. It only starts causing problems when the fungus overgrows. A number of factors may trigger this growth, including:

• Hot, humid weather
• Oily skin
• Hormonal changes
• Weakened immune system

Prevention

To help prevent tinea versicolor from returning, your doctor can prescribe a skin or oral treatment that you use once or twice a month. You may need to use these just during warm and humid months. Preventive treatments include:

• Selenium sulfide (Selsun) 2.5 percent lotion or shampoo
• Ketoconazole (Ketoconazole, Nizoral, others) cream, gel or shampoo
• Itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox) tablets, capsules or oral solution
• Fluconazole (Diflucan) tablets or oral solution

Diagnosis

Your doctor can diagnose tinea versicolor by looking at it. If there’s any doubt, he or she may take skin scrapings from the infected area and view them under a microscope.

Treatment

If tinea versicolor is severe or doesn’t respond to over-the-counter antifungal medicine, you may need a prescription-strength medication. Some of these medications are topical preparations that you rub on your skin. Others are drugs that you swallow. Examples include:

• Ketoconazole (Ketoconazole, Nizoral, others) cream, gel or shampoo
• Ciclopirox (Loprox, Penlac) cream, gel or shampoo
• Fluconazole (Diflucan) tablets or oral solution
• Itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox) tablets, capsules or oral solution
• Selenium sulfide (Selsun) 2.5 percent lotion or shampoo

Even after successful treatment, your skin color may remain uneven for several weeks, or even months. Also, the infection may return in hot, humid weather. In persistent cases, you may need to take a medication once or twice a month to prevent the infection from recurring.

Lifestyle and home remedies

For a mild case of tinea versicolor, you can apply an over-the-counter antifungal lotion, cream, ointment or shampoo. Most fungal infections respond well to these topical agents, which include:

• Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) cream or lotion
• Miconazole (Micaderm) cream
• Selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue) 1 percent lotion
• Terbinafine (Lamisil AT) cream or gel
• Zinc pyrithione soap

When using creams, ointments or lotions, wash and dry the affected area. Then apply a thin layer of the product once or twice a day for at least two weeks. If you’re using shampoo, rinse it off after waiting five to 10 minutes. If you don’t see an improvement after four weeks, see your doctor. You may need a stronger medication.

It also helps to protect your skin from the sun and artificial sources of UV light. Usually, the skin tone evens out eventually.

Preparing for an appointment

You’re likely to start by first seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. He or she may treat you or refer you to a specialist in skin disorders (dermatologist).

What you can do

Preparing a list of questions beforehand can help you make the most of your time with your doctor. For tinea versicolor, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• How did I get tinea versicolor?
• What are other possible causes?
• Do I need any tests?
• Is tinea versicolor temporary or long lasting?
• What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
• What side effects can I expect from treatment?
• How long will it take for my skin to return to normal?
• Can I do anything to help, such as avoid the sun at certain times or wear a specific sunscreen?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you’re prescribing me?
• Do you have brochures or other printed material I can take home? What websites do you recommend?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:

• How long have you had these discolored areas on your skin?
• Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
• Have you had this or a similar condition in the past?
• Do the affected areas itch?
• Does anything seem to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?

Tinea Versicolor | Boston Children’s Hospital

Listen

Tinea versicolor is a common fungal skin infection characterized by lighter or darker patches on the skin.

• Patches are most often found on the chest or back and prevent the skin from tanning evenly.
• It occurs mostly in adolescence and early adulthood, but it can occur at any time.
• Patches may scale slightly but rarely itch or hurt.
• Treatment usually includes the use of dandruff shampoo on the skin.
• Tinea versicolor usually recurs, requiring additional treatments.

Tinea Versicolor | Symptoms & Causes

What are the symptoms of tinea versicolor?

Typically, the only symptom of tinea versicolor is the white or light brown patches that appear on the skin. Patches may scale slightly but rarely itch or hurt.

Other common characteristics of the rash include:

• white, pink, or brown patches
• infection only on the top layers of the skin
• usually occurs on the trunk
• does not usually occur on the face
• patches that worsen in the heat or humidity, or if your child is on steroid therapy or has a weakened immune system
• patches that are most noticeable in the summer

The symptoms of tinea versicolor may resemble other skin conditions. Always consult your child’s physician for diagnosis.

Tinea Versicolor | Diagnosis & Treatments

How is tinea versicolor diagnosed?

Tinea versicolor is usually diagnosed based on a medical history and physical examination of your child. Because the patches seen with this condition are unique, your child’s physician can typically make a diagnosis based on a simple physical examination. Your child’s doctor may also use an ultraviolet light to see the patches more clearly and may perform skin scrapings of the lesions to help confirm the diagnosis.

How do we treat tinea versicolor?

Treatment usually includes the use of dandruff shampoo on the skin as prescribed by your child’s physician. The shampoo is left on the skin overnight and washed off in the morning. To be effective, the shampoo treatment may be required for several nights.

Tinea versicolor usually recurs, requiring additional treatments, so improvement in the skin may only be temporary. Your child’s physician may recommend using the shampoo monthly to help prevent recurrences. Your child’s doctor may also prescribe topical creams or oral antifungal medication.

The treatment will not bring the normal color back to the skin immediately; this will occur naturally and may take several months.

Tinea Versicolor | Programs & Services

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Programs

Pityriasis versicolor, treatment in Krivoy Rog versicolor versicolor

December 28, 2020

Pityriasis versicolor, diagnosis and treatment in Krivoy Rog Pityriasis versicolor is a chronic fungal skin disease with exacerbation in spring and autumn. We offer effective treatment of pityriasis versicolor in Krivoy Rog, treatment of multicolored lichen in the dermatological center on Filatov and Pochtov!

Pityriasis versicolor or versicolor is a skin disease caused by a fungus present on the surface of the epidermis. Due to certain conditions and factors, a pathological process develops with severe symptoms. Pityriasis versicolor is treated, it responds well to therapy if you seek help in time. After 2-4 weeks you will notice positive changes.

Please note! On this page you can find what pityriasis looks like – the photo is an image for reference. But we do not recommend self-diagnosing lichen by visual assessment and the described symptoms. Some of its signs intersect with other dermatological pathologies and conditions, including vitiligo, roseola, Gibert’s pink lichen, skin pigmentation spots, spots after sunburn. A photo of multi-colored lichen is provided to increase the information content of the material. Treatment of pityriasis versicolor is the work of a doctor, as well as the primary diagnosis of a fungal skin disease!

Pityriasis versicolor – information and facts

• Hypopigmentation is clearly visible on tanned skin. Therefore, it is in summer that multi-colored lichen is found, the treatment of which is desirable to begin immediately so as not to miss the time for maximum visualization;
• There is a tendency for numerous precipitating factors to influence the onset and development of versicolor versicolor. The main one is considered to be weakened immunity, although statistics show confirmation of skin fungus in healthy people in most cases;
• Regardless of how well the treatment of pityriasis versicolor is performed, relapses are possible. The reason for this is that the causative agent of a dermatological disease belongs to the normal flora of the skin;
• Lichen versicolor hypopigmentation is reversible, lichen spots disappear after 4-10 weeks, the skin is restored!

What causes versicolor versicolor, causes of solar fungus

The development of a dermatological problem is possible for the following reasons:
• Immunodeficiency states, violations of the protective function of the body. The cause of solar lichen is poor immunity;
• Hormonal disruptions and excess weight, as well as profuse sweating – sweat and dust are the causes of rashes, irritations;
• Various diseases of the internal organs can provoke pityriasis versicolor;
• Influence of external factors: foreign inclusions in the atmosphere, chemistry, frequent temperature changes;
• Bad habits, uncontrolled use of antibiotics and antibacterial agents;
• Non-compliance with personal hygiene rules or excessive body hygiene with skin damage!

Factors of development, as well as recurrence of pathology, can be prolonged exposure to the sun, permanent residence in a hot climate, systematic visits to the solarium. That is, the confirmed cause of pityriasis versicolor is ultraviolet and temperature. But also stressful and nervous situations, poor-quality underwear and clothes, chronic infectious processes in the body, which provoke pityriasis versicolor!

It is worth noting that for different areas of the lesion, individual factors are predominant. For example, pityriasis versicolor on the pubis and near the armpits causes synthetics and tight clothing, which contributes to increased sweating and friction, skin irritation. Pityriasis versicolor on the shoulders – the sun and ultraviolet, multi-colored lichen on the back and chest – gastrointestinal diseases and hormonal disruptions!

Signs of pityriasis versicolor, symptoms

Pityriasis versicolor in children and adults affects the stratum corneum of the epidermis. Certain conditions are necessary for the activation of the fungus and the development of the disease. This is a lack of local immunity, as well as a specific metabolism of the skin structure.

Pink or light brown spots appear on the surface of the skin, there may be depigmented or hyperpigmented areas. Usually, pityriasis versicolor is localized on the chest and back, neck, in the armpit, lichen on the hips and in the inguinal folds. Sun fungus spots are clearly visible on tanned skin, so the pathology is more often detected in warm weather, by the end of spring or already in summer.

Signs of versicolor versicolor, photo of pityriasis versicolor Lichen versicolor are spots of a rounded shape, with clear boundaries, which tend to merge in the later stages of the development of pathology. It is possible to layer small scales on the surface, change the structure.

In the case of pathology, the number of spots and the total area covered by them on the skin increase. Pityriasis versicolor spreads rapidly, so it is possible to detect spots on almost any part of the body: lichen on the back and chest, hands and hips, light spots on the neck, pityriasis versicolor appears on the face and back of the head. Does not affect multi-colored lichen of the palms and feet, mucous membranes!

Spots grow, coalesce, skin dryness and peeling of scales when touched are possible. A distinctive feature of the disease is a violation of pigmentation. Pityriasis versicolor damages melanocytes, and depending on the skin tone, the color of the spots may change. Pityriasis versicolor is white or pink on dark skin, pink or even red on lighter skin. Atypical pityriasis versicolor is characterized by a complete loss of pigment in the affected areas!

Even if the pigment spot peels off and grows in size, versicolor is not an aggressive disease and does not harm health. Apart from a slight itching, which rarely becomes intense, there are no other sensations of discomfort. The problem is often cosmetic, but it must be remembered that even harmless diseases require timely intervention. Therefore, consult a specialist to identify blemishes, skin peeling and other problems. You should not make hasty conclusions and start treatment, pityriasis versicolor in the photo and video are not assistants in the diagnosis, which is carried out at home. This is a repeated reminder in view of the increase in the number of calls after trying to treat dermatological pathologies at home!

Pityriasis versicolor in a child

In children, versicolor versicolor is a rather rare phenomenon, and due to the virtual absence of symptoms, it is not identified at all, or is detected in extreme cases. There is no burning or itching of the skin, spots of pityriasis versicolor appear on the head, under the hair, less often on the shoulders and back. If a sun fungus is suspected in a child, for example, spots on the skin and peeling are noticed, we recommend making an appointment with a pediatric dermatologist. Ignoring the symptoms leads to progression and an increase in foci of infection – spots of solar lichen in a child increase, expand localization!

Pityriasis versicolor during pregnancy

As at any other time, during the bearing of a child, the female body is exposed to various diseases, only with an increase in risks for her own health and the health of the unborn baby. The cause of pityriasis versicolor in pregnant women is hormonal failure, restructuring of the body, but also previously announced factors that can be provoking.

Treatment of lichen in pregnant women is not carried out in view of minimizing the negative impact on the body of the mother and the unborn child. In exceptional cases, a sparing individual course is prescribed with the selection of drugs and dosages!

Pityriasis versicolor – complications

Pityriasis multicolor can be completely cured, like most dermatological diseases, with professional help. But if you are skeptical about the pathology, some complications are possible:
• Frequent relapses of lichen, proliferation of spots, loss of affected skin cells that are responsible for the coloring pigment, and, accordingly, the exclusion of the possibility of returning the natural color of the skin;
• Development of the disease to the follicular type, when pustules and papules form in the affected area, itching increases and becomes severe;
• Accession to the pathology of other dermatological diseases, when the skin is not only versicolor, but also eczema, lichen annulare with the corresponding symptoms!

If we consider pityriasis versicolor, complications of a fungal disease are identified quite rarely. But if you have the opportunity to start treatment in a timely manner, as well as adhere to the simplest rules for the prevention of dermatological diseases and skin lesions, this will protect you from numerous negative consequences.

An important component of healthy skin is proper hygiene, normal healthy nutrition, minimization of harmful external influences, preventive measures in public places. Also, a timely visit to a dermatologist if you find tinea versicolor, symptoms of other skin diseases!

Pityriasis versicolor – video consultation of a dermatologist at the Mediton Clinic0032

• Examination at the appointment of a dermatovenereologist, history taking;
• Balzer iodine test and Wood’s lamp examination;
• Microscopic examination of skin scrapings!

Lichen versicolor is very important to study clinically. At first glance, it is not so difficult to determine it, because there are a number of visible signs. But also multi-colored lichen has similarities with other dermatological diseases. Therefore, an examination by a dermatologist is needed, as well as specialized tests with drugs, reagents and equipment that the average person does not have available. In addition, home therapy has long been out of trend, and treating versicolor versicolor with folk remedies, when there are really effective spot preparations, is pointless!

We invite you to get diagnosed in the doctor’s office – skin scraping for lichen, Wood’s lamp and iodine tests will help you quickly identify the skin fungus and start treatment!

Treatment of pityriasis versicolor in Krivoy Rog

The doctor prescribes a special diet that eliminates the possibility of allergic reactions. Minimize physical and emotional stress. Antifungal systemic and external preparations are prescribed, creams, sprays and shampoos for special purposes are used for the treatment of multi-colored lichen.

If favorable developmental factors are found in the form of concomitant diseases of the internal organs or skin, which can affect the course of the pathology, the therapy of the underlying disease is prescribed!

If pityriasis versicolor is diagnosed, treatment of a dermatological disease is strictly under the supervision of a doctor. Independent decisions are not the best choice, as well as changing the prescribed therapy regimen. The progression of skin pathology and the addition of additional diseases is fraught with a transition to a chronic form, periodic exacerbations, the development of additional symptoms, including itching and burning of the skin, its drying out, tightness!

Of course, today everyone is able to find on near-medical portals a whole stream of information and answers to a number of interesting questions: what are the most pronounced symptoms of tinea versicolor, how to treat pityriasis versicolor, ointments and creams from versicolor versicolor and spots on the neck and back, are they similar brown spots on lichen, how to quickly cure solar lichen at home, what causes solar fungus and whether it needs to be treated, is multi-colored lichen dangerous for children … there will also be recommended remedies, for example, miconazole, bifonazole, zinc pyritone from depriving and spots on the skin, clotrimazole from the fungus. But all such drugs have a strict purpose and restrictions, as well as contraindications for use in children. The drugs are individual, aimed at treating a specific dermatological disease, with different dosages and treatment regimens. Treatment of multi-colored lichen with antifungal drugs that are applied to the skin is correct, but only if they are prescribed by a dermatologist or dermatovenereologist after diagnostic measures and identification of the pathology, its confirmation!

Is it possible to treat versicolor at home? In fact, yes, because there is a direct treatment of pityriasis versicolor at home, and not in a hospital. But, as mentioned above, the whole process should be under the supervision of a doctor. Initially, the patient makes an appointment, undergoes an examination and a set of diagnostic measures, after which, if there are no concomitant diseases and complications, he goes home and strictly follows the recommendations of a specialist. It is important to make an appointment with a dermatologist, monitor the dynamics of the disease and the course of treatment in time, and after completing the medication and procedures, when the doctor confirms the restoration of health, additionally pay attention to tips on preventing pityriasis versicolor in children and adults!

Pityriasis versicolor, treatment in Krivoy Rog: dermatologist’s consultation Multicolored lichen, treatment in Krivoy Rog – dermatology at Pochtovoi and Filatova. Consultation with a dermatologist and dermatovenereologist, digital skin assessment, laboratory tests, confirmation of a fungal skin disease and the appointment of therapy for pityriasis versicolor, prevention of solar lichen. Please call (098) 530-60-40!

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Summer, beware of lichen in humans! How to treat Symptoms

Summer, beware of depriving a person! How to treat Symptoms

You may not suspect, but the likelihood of lichen on your skin is quite high. This is especially true for times like summer. Indeed, in the summer, the manifestation and symptoms of a fungal skin disease on the surface of the human body, such as pityriasis versicolor, are predominantly activated. Brown spots appear on the back, abdomen, arms or legs, of various shapes and sizes.

What does lichen look like in humans?

The most striking symptom of pityriasis versicolor disease is the appearance on the surface of the body of asymmetrically located rounded spots with clear shapes and endings (borders) of pink color. Most of all they spread on the neck, back and even on the face.

What is lichen? And how it can arise

In fact, the surface of the human body contains a lot of fungal organisms that can infect the body at any time. Constant personal hygiene helps to reduce the risk of harmful effects of fungi and their manifestation on the body, but this is not enough. The most common cause of lichen is reduced immunity. After all, the body does not have time to fight the harmful effects of fungi, which leads to their spread on the skin.

Lichen is a chronic disease that can occur when:

– excessive sweating
– hormonal imbalance
– in conditions of high humidity
– pathology of internal organs
– with reduced immunity
– with chronic stress
– in contact with a patient human, animal

Types of treatment and methods of control

If you find! any change on your skin surface, see a dermatologist as soon as possible to stop the spread of a harmful fungal manifestation on your body.
Or if you are under the influence of the mentioned dangerous factors – go through a preventive examination by an endocrinologist and a gastroenterologist to prevent the development of this disease in you.

Make an appointment

Strengthening your immunity and protecting yourself from stress is also a prerequisite. Immunity can be strengthened through the consumption of tasty and healthy food in sufficient quantities, regulated sleep and exposure to fresh air (for urban residents – periodic exposure to nature). Protection from stress can be obtained through periodic emotional correction with a psychologist, playing sports, changing the environment, having fun, and most importantly, not allowing yourself to overstrain at work.

Home treatment of lichen is ineffective, because its manifestation on the body indicates that your internal organs are exposed to harmful effects and intoxication. Therefore, it is very important to get a full range of treatment recommendations from a professional doctor in order to fully protect and restore your body.