Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection of the skin. It causes a rash that appears as light or dark patches on the skin. The rash most often occurs on the chest, back, neck, or upper arms. This condition is more common during warm weather.
Other than the rash affecting how the skin looks, tinea versicolor usually does not cause other problems. In most cases, the infection goes away in a few weeks with treatment. It may take a few months for the patches on your skin to clear up.
CAUSES
Tinea versicolor occurs when a type of fungus that is normally found on the skin starts to overgrow. This fungus is a kind of yeast. The exact cause of the overgrowth is not known. This condition cannot be passed from one person to …show more content…
During the exam, he or she may use ultraviolet light to help determine the extent of the infection. In some cases, a skin sample may be taken by scraping the rash. This sample will then be looked at under a microscope to check for yeast overgrowth.
TREATMENT
Treatment for tinea versicolor may include:
• Dandruff shampoo applied to the affected skin during showers or bathing.
• Over-the-counter medicated skin cream, lotion, or soaps.
• Prescription antifungal medicine in the form of skin cream or pills.
• Medicine to help reduce itching.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider.
• Apply dandruff shampoo to the affected area if told to do so by your health care provider. You may be instructed to scrub the affected skin for several minutes each day.
• Do not scratch the affected area of skin.
• Try to avoid hot and humid conditions.
• Avoid tanning booths.
• Avoid sweating a lot when possible.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
• Your symptoms get worse.
• You have a fever.
• You have redness, swelling, or pain at the site of your rash.
• You have fluid, blood, or pus coming from your
Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection of the skin. It causes a rash that appears as light or dark patches on the skin. The rash most often occurs on the chest, back, neck, or upper arms. This condition is more common during warm weather.
Other than the rash affecting how the skin looks, tinea versicolor usually does not cause other problems. In most cases, the infection goes away in a few weeks with treatment. It may take a few months for the patches on your skin to clear up.
CAUSES
Tinea versicolor occurs when a type of fungus that is normally found on the skin starts to overgrow. This fungus is a kind of yeast. The exact cause of the overgrowth is not known. This condition cannot be passed from one person to …show more content…
During the exam, he or she may use ultraviolet light to help determine the extent of the infection. In some cases, a skin sample may be taken by scraping the rash. This sample will then be looked at under a microscope to check for yeast overgrowth.
TREATMENT
Treatment for tinea versicolor may include:
• Dandruff shampoo applied to the affected skin during showers or bathing.
• Over-the-counter medicated skin cream, lotion, or soaps.
• Prescription antifungal medicine in the form of skin cream or pills.
• Medicine to help reduce itching.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider.
• Apply dandruff shampoo to the affected area if told to do so by your health care provider. You may be instructed to scrub the affected skin for several minutes each day.
• Do not scratch the affected area of skin.
• Try to avoid hot and humid conditions.
• Avoid tanning booths.
• Avoid sweating a lot when possible.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
• Your symptoms get worse.
• You have a fever.
• You have redness, swelling, or pain at the site of your rash.
• You have fluid, blood, or pus coming from your