Tinea versicolor

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 than the surrounding skin and most commonly affect the trunk and shoulders. Tinea versicolor (TV) is caused by the fungus Malassezia globosa.

Causes

Tinea versicolor is caused by a type of yeast that naturally lives on your skin. When the yeast grows out of control, the skin disease, which appears as a rash, is the result.

Symptoms

Symptoms of tinea versicolor 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

Diagnosis

A physician can often diagnose tinea versicolor simply 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. The type of treatment will depend on the size, location and thickness of the infected area.

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 (Nizoral) cream, gel or shampoo
• Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsules or tablets

See also

• Dermatology
• Fungal infection
• Skin pigmentation

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