Tinea Versicolor – Cause, Symptom, Diagnosis & Treatment.

Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection caused by the fungus Pityrosporum orbiculare (Malassezia furfur). 

It mainly affects the subcutaneous tissues of the skin.

Whom it affects the most? 

 It is the commonest fungal infection. It mainly affects teens and adults. It also affects those who live in hot or warm weather so often and have greasy sticky skin. And excessive sweating may lead forward to the growth of tinea. 

SYMPTOMS

• The infection of tinea versicolor characterized by discolouration of the skin as the skin appears lighter than the normal colour or darker than the normal colour of skin. 

• Presence of itching over a particular area.

DIAGNOSIS

Tinea versicolor is not contagious.

Tinea infection appears as the patchy discolouration of the skin. The most common places of the body include the chest, neck, back, abdomen and upper arms. 

TREATMENT

There are several antifungal medications available in the market in the form of shampoo lotions and foam, etc. 

EXTERNAL MEDICATION

Your doctor may recommend you the products which contain zinc, clotrimazole, selenium Sulphur, zinc, ketoconazole. Apply on the affected site and it reduces itching and other symptoms within 10days.

INTERNAL MEDICATION

Pills or any tablets may lead to side effects it must be chosen wisely. 

THINGS TO REMEMBER

If tinea versicolor infects you, 

• Avoid exposure to the sun.

• Apply sunscreen before going outdoor. The sunscreen should be of at 30 SPF.

• Try to avoid scratching on the affected site. 

• Don’t use oily products on your skin.

• Avoid tight clothes