Tinea Versicolor - Symptoms, Risk factors and Treatment

Tinea versicolor, also known as pityriasis Versicolor, is a non-contagious fungal infection of the skin. Fungi and bacteria surround us. Our immune system works against them. However, in certain conditions, they can attack us and infect too. The fungus can infect your skin causing Tinea Versicolor. It interferes with the normal pigmentation of the skin, leading to the formation of patches that are darker or lighter in color as compared to your skin color, appearing on the trunk and shoulders. Mostly it occurs in teenagers and young people. It becomes apparent upon sun exposure. Tinea versicolor is not a painful condition. But it can lead to emotional distress and social anxiety. 

Treatment usually includes topical antifungal creams, lotions, and shampoos. But the skin may remain discolored even after successful treatment. It mostly recurs in warm and humid weather. 

Symptoms 

The most common symptom of tinea versicolor is discolored patches of skin that mostly show up on the back, neck, chest, and arms. The characteristics of those discolored patches can be;

• Lighter or darker than the normal complexion of a person
• Pink, red, or brown in color 
• Tan patches
• Patches that are scaly, itchy, and dry
• Get more prominent upon sun exposure or tanning
• Mostly they disappear in cool, less humid weather

In dark-colored people, Tinea Versicolor may cause patches that are lighter in color as compared to their color- a condition called hypopigmentation. In some people, it may cause light-colored patches in the skin- a condition called hyperpigmentation. Along with color changes, it may cause itchy skin. 

Causes

Normally fungus presides over your skin. But when it overgrows it causes Tinea Versicolor. Factors that trigger it are;

• Hot and humid weather
• Hormonal changes 
• Oily skin 
• Weakened skin 
• Having a disease that weakens your immune system like AIDS, malignancies, and repeated infections
• Taking medications that suppress the immune system like corticosteroids
• Undergoing therapies that suppress the immune system like radiotherapy or chemotherapy for cancer

Treatment 

Tinea Versicolor is a fungal infection, therefore, the healthcare providers will prescribe you antifungal drugs. Depending upon the severity they may choose a topical delivery system or may prescribe oral antifungal drugs. Over the counter available antifungal drugs are;

• clotrimazole 
• miconazole 
• selenium sulfide 
• Terbinafine
• fluconazole 
• itraconazole 
• ketoconazole

Moreover, you may also need to apply the following antifungal creams to get rid of Tinea Versicolor.

• ciclopirox 
• ketoconazole 

Prevention 

To prevent Tinea Versicolor infection, you must exercise the following tips. 

• Avoid excessive heat
• Take shower daily 
• Use antifungal creams as prophylaxis 
• Use a shampoo that contains selenium sulfide
• Avoid excessive exposure to sun and sweat
• Keep a towel in the gym and keep wiping your sweat

Conclusion 

Tinea versicolor, also known as pityriasis Versicolor, is a non-contagious fungal infection of the skin that occurs in teenagers and young people. It becomes apparent upon sun exposure. Tinea versicolor is not a painful condition. But it can lead to emotional distress and social anxiety. In dark-colored people, Tinea Versicolor may cause patches that are light in color as compared to their color- a condition called hypopigmentation. In some people, it may cause light-colored patches in the skin- a condition called hyperpigmentation. Along with color changes, it may cause itchy skin. 

Tinea Versicolor is a fungal infection, therefore, the healthcare providers will prescribe you antifungal drugs. Depending upon the severity they may choose a topical delivery system or may prescribe oral antifungal drugs.

Treatment usually includes topical antifungal creams, lotions, and shampoos. But the skin may remain discolored even after successful treatment. It mostly recurs in warm and humid weather.