Tinea Versicolor - Symptoms & Treatment

Tinea versicolor or pityriasis versicolor is a common skin infection caused by the yeast Malassezia furfur (formerly termed Pityrosporum ovale ). This yeast is normally found on the human skin. Usually, the lesions are asymptomatic. They appear as patches with fine scale and can be pink, tan, or most commonly, white. The most commonly affected sites are the back, underarm, upper arms, chest, and neck. The term ‘pityriasis' is used to describe skin conditions in which the scale appears similar to bran. The multiple colours arising in the disorder give rise to the second part of the name, ‘versicolor'. It sometimes called ‘tinea versicolor', although the term ‘tinea' should strictly refer to infection with a dermatophyte fungus . Diagnosis is based on clinical appearance and skin scrapings. Treatment is topical antifungal drugs. Malassezia furfur is a dimorphic fungus that is normally a harmless component of normal skin flora but that in some people causes tinea versicolor. The high prevalence of tinea versicolor in young adults suggests a link to increased sebaceous secretion; other risk factors include heat and humidity and immunosuppression due to corticosteroids, pregnancy, malnutrition, diabetes, and other disorders.

Tinea Versicolor is a common skin disease, especially in people who habitually lie on sandy beaches in the Caribbean. It usually affects the upper trunk and produces a variegated hyper-or hypopigmentation. Tinea versicolor is a type of dermatomycosis that is caused by a fungus that interferes with normal tanning. Dermatomycosis is a term that includes a variety of superficial skin infections caused by fungi or yeast. These types of infections almost always only affect skin, hair, and/or nails. In people with severe immune problems, these infections can become more serious and invasive. The infection, caused by the yeast Malassezia furfur, is quite common, especially in young adults. It rarely causes pain or itching, but it prevents areas of the skin from tanning, producing patches that are lighter in color than surrounding skin. People with naturally dark skin may notice lighter patches; people with naturally fair skin may get dark or lighter patches. The color depends on how the yeast affect the melanocytes, the cells that make the pigment . The patches are often on the chest or back and may scale slightly. Over time, small areas can join to form large patches.

Causes of Tinea Versicolor

Find common causes and risk factors of Tinea Versicolor :

• Genetic predisposition.
• Immunosuppression.
• Warm, humid environments.
• Cushing disease.
• Suppressed immune system , is the main cause of tinea versicolor.
• Abnormalit ies in the adrenal gland may also lead to the condition of tinea versicolor.

Signs and Symptoms of Tinea Versicolor

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

• The rash usually occurs on the trunk.
• White, pink, or brown patches.
• Patches are most noticeable in the summer.
• The rash does not usually occur on the face.
• Light scaling on affected areas.
• Slight itching, which is worse when the person is hot.

Treatment for Tinea Versicolor

Treatment may include:

• Tinea versicolor is treated with topical or oral medications. Topical treatment includes special cleansers including some shampoos, creams, or lotions applied directly to the skin.
• Tinea versicolor may recur. Special cleansers may decrease episodes when used once or twice a month, especially during warm humid months of the year.
• Several oral medications have been used successfully to treat tinea versicolor. After any form of treatment, the uneven color of the skin may remain several months after the yeast has been eliminated until the skin repigments normally.
• Anti fungal agents such as clotrimazole , miconazole and selenium sulfide shampoo , are very effective in the treatments of tinea versicolor.
• Oral treatment for tinea versicolor includes ketoconazole , fluconazole and itraconazole is beneficial in the eradication of skin rashes.
• Dietary alterations have not proved successfully in the treatment of tinea versicolor.
• Prophylactic therapy may also help in reducing dryness of the skin.