Treatment FAQ

how long after treatment does pigment come back with tinea versicolor

by Mr. Rey Spencer V Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

On average, treatment takes about one to four weeks. But in some cases, it can take weeks or months for skin color to return to normal.

How long does it take for tinea versicolor to return?

With treatment, the yeast is easy to kill. However, the skin may stay lighter (or darker) for weeks or months. The skin will eventually return to its normal color. To help even out your skin tone, you should protect your skin from the sun and not tan. Tinea versicolor can return.

How can I prevent tinea versicolor from coming back?

Apr 20, 2022 · Your infection does not get better within 2 weeks of treatment. Your signs and symptoms get worse or come back after treatment. You have questions or concerns about …

Does tinea versicolor affect the skin of the dark skinned?

It causes patches on the skin that are lighter or darker than your normal skin color. The patches most often occur on the chest or back. They also stop the skin from tanning evenly and often …

What is the prognosis of tinea versicolor (ringworm of the eye)?

May 02, 2022 · How is tinea versicolor treated? Tinea versicolor is usually treated with an antifungal cream. You may need to use the cream for up to 4 weeks to treat your symptoms. …

Will my skin color come back after tinea versicolor?

Antifungal creams, lotions or shampoos can help treat tinea versicolor. But even after successful treatment, skin color may remain uneven for several weeks or months. Tinea versicolor often recurs, especially in warm, humid weather.Apr 7, 2020

How long does it take for pigment to come back after tinea versicolor?

Normal skin color will not return for 6 to 12 months. Tinea versicolor tends to recur. Prevent this by applying Selsun Blue shampoo on the areas that were affected previously once a month for several years. Leave it on 10 minutes, then shower.

Does the discoloration caused by tinea versicolor resolves immediately after treatment?

What Are Complications of Tinea Versicolor? The main complication of tinea versicolor is the skin discoloration that persists for weeks after treatment because the melanocytes (skin color-producing cells) require time to recover and properly pigment the skin. There are no permanent complications of tinea versicolor.

How do you get rid of hypopigmentation from tinea versicolor?

Treatment of Tinea Versicolor

Fluconazole 150 mg/week orally for 2 to 4 weeks is indicated for patients with extensive disease and those with frequent recurrences. Hypopigmentation from tinea versicolor is reversible in months to years after the yeast has cleared.

Can I tan with tinea versicolor?

On untanned skin tinea versicolor rash is a pink to coppery tan. On tanned skin the tinea versicolor patches are lighter, since tanning does not occur in the rash areas. The failure to tan is temporary; the skin tans normally after the rash has cleared up. Tinea versicolor is not contagious.

How do you know when your tinea versicolor is gone?

Even after the infection has gone away, the spots may be visible as lighter (hypopigmented) patches on the skin that may not get their normal color back for many months. These hypopigmented spots do not tan normally.

Can tinea versicolor be cured permanently?

In most cases, this discoloration fades away gradually after treatment is complete. Tinea versicolor doesn't cause any long-term complications or disorders.Apr 13, 2022

What can be mistaken for tinea versicolor?

Tinea versicolor may appear as a rash of small red and sometimes scaly spots that are very itchy. As a consequence, people can often confuse it with guttate psoriasis. Tinea versicolor can also cause patches of light or dark skin, which some people might confuse with vitiligo.Jan 11, 2019

What does tinea versicolor look like?

Tinea versicolor appears as many white, pink, salmon-colored, tan, or brown patches ranging in size from 1–3 cm. The individual lesions can join together to form large patches. Most lesions have a very fine, dust-like outer skin material (scale).

Does hypopigmentation ever go away?

It is important to realize that this is not a permanent lightening of the skin but it resolves slowly. In most cases it takes many months or possibly even a year to go away completely. Since post inflammatory hypopigmentation is a temporary problem usually no treatment is required.

How do I get my skin pigment back?

If your skin cells don't produce enough melanin, the skin can lighten. These effects can occur in spots or may cover your entire body.
...
Treatment options may include:
  1. dermabrasion.
  2. chemical peels.
  3. laser resurfacing or therapy.
  4. lightening gels, such as hydroquinone (Blanche)

Does post inflammatory hypopigmentation go away?

Most cases of postinflammatory hypopigmentation improve spontaneously within weeks or months if the primary cause is ceased; however, it can be permanent if there is complete destruction of melanocytes.Jun 14, 2011

How to prevent tinea versicolor?

Manage or prevent tinea versicolor: Tinea versicolor usually comes back, especially in hot and humid times of the year. You can manage the symptoms and help prevent it. Keep your skin clean and dry. Dry your skin completely after you bathe and play sports.

How long does it take for antifungal cream to work on tinea versicolor?

Antifungal cream is used to treat tinea versicolor. You may need to use this cream for up to 4 weeks to treat your symptoms. You may also need to use a special shampoo on your skin.

What is the infection that leaves a dark spot on your skin?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Tinea versicolor is an infection that leaves colored spots on your skin. Tinea versicolor is caused by a fungus that is normally present on your skin. This infection is not harmful.

What causes a rash on the back of the chest?

Tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor) is a fungal or yeast skin rash. It’s caused by too much growth of a certain yeast on the skin. It causes patches on the skin that are lighter or darker than your normal skin color. The patches most often occur on the chest or back. They also stop the skin from tanning evenly and often appear as lighter spots on tan skin. After treatment, it might take several months for your skin color to return to normal. Every person has this yeast on their body. So this rash is not contagious to others. It can’t be spread if someone touches it. So you don’t have to worry about exposing others at work or school.

Why does my skin turn white?

Key points about tinea versicolor. Tinea versicolor is a fungal skin rash. It’s caused by too much growth of a normal yeast on the skin. The most common symptom is patches on the skin that may look white, pink, or light brown. They may also look dry or scaly.

What is the name of the light that is used to see patches of skin?

The physical exam will include looking closely at your skin. He or she may use an ultraviolet light called a Wood lamp to see the patches more clearly. You may also have a skin scraping. The healthcare provider scrapes the top of your skin with a small tool.

Why does yeast rash happen?

Yeast is a type of fungus that normally lives on the skin. This condition occurs when the yeast grows too much. It grows more easily in hot climates, and on oily or sweaty skin. Researchers don’t know why some people get this rash and others don’t. It's not spread from person to person.

How long does it take for a rash to go away after tanning?

They also stop the skin from tanning evenly and often appear as lighter spots on tan skin. After treatment, it might take several months for your skin color to return to normal. Every person has this yeast on their body. So this rash is not contagious to others.

How long does it take for skin to return to normal color?

It may take several months for your skin to return to its normal color.

How to keep skin cool and dry?

Wear loose clothing to let your skin stay cool and dry.

What to do if tinea versicolor is severe?

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. Examples include:

What to use for tinea versicolor?

For a mild case of tinea versicolor, you can apply an over-the-counter antifungal lotion, cream, ointment or shampoo. Most fungal infections respond well to these topical agents, which include: When using creams, ointments or lotions, wash and dry the affected area.

How to use Terbinafine?

When using creams, ointments or lotions, wash and dry the affected area. Then apply a thin layer of the product once or twice a day for at least two weeks. If you're using shampoo, rinse it off after waiting five to 10 minutes.

Does skin tone even out?

It also helps to protect your skin from the sun and artificial sources of UV light. Usually, the skin tone evens out eventually.

How long does it take for Tinea versicolor to heal?

Tinea versicolor is usually treated with an antifungal cream. You may need to use the cream for up to 4 weeks to treat your symptoms. You may also need to use a special shampoo on your skin. Apply the cream or shampoo as directed. It may take several weeks or months after treatment for the color of your skin to return to normal.

Why does tinea versicolor occur?

Fungus that is normally present on your skin overgrows and causes tinea versicolor. The following increase your risk for tinea versicolor: Skin moisture from sweating or wearing tight clothes.

What is the infection that leaves a dark spot on your skin?

Tinea versicolor is an infection that leaves colored spots on your skin. Tinea versicolor is caused by a fungus that is normally present on your skin. This infection is not harmful.

How to tell if you have tinea versicolor?

Your healthcare provider may be able to tell you have tinea versicolor by the shape and color of the spots. He or she may gently scrape off some of your skin and look at the sample through a microscope.

How to prevent anther infection?

Dry between your toes, between folds, and other areas where skin touches skin. You may also need to apply a special shampoo to your skin each month to prevent anther infection.

What are the spots on my chest?

You may have many oval, patchy spots on your chest, back, arms, or face. They may be white, pink, red, or brown. The spots may be close together and cover a large area. They may be lighter than the rest of your skin in summer and darker in winter. The spots may itch.

Can you refuse treatment?

You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

How long does tinea versicolor last?

For some people, tinea versicolor causes skin discoloration that lasts for months to years. In most cases, this discoloration fades away gradually after treatment is complete.

How to diagnose tinea versicolor?

Doctors can diagnose tinea versicolor with simple skin tests. In one type of test, your doctor scrapes off some loose skin cells he or she believes are infected with tinea versicolor. This skin sample is examined under a microscope for the presence of yeast cells.

Why does my skin itch?

It is caused by overgrowth of a yeast that is normally present on the skin. It can cause skin discoloration and, sometimes, mild itching. The infection is also known as pityriasis versicolor. For many people, doctors treat the condition successfully with topical or oral antifungal medications.

What are the symptoms of tinea versicolor?

For most people, tinea versicolor causes mild symptoms. These may include: Skin discoloration, usually on the face, neck, chest and abdomen. Discolored patches can appear anywhere on your body. Itching at or around areas of skin affected by tinea versicolor. Excessive sweating.

What light is used to see tinea versicolor?

This device uses ultraviolet (UV) light to illuminate your skin. Areas of skin where tinea versicolor is present look yellow-green under the UV light.

When is Tinea versicolor most common?

People living in tropical or subtropical regions are most at risk. It is common during summer months in temperate climates and around puberty when the oil glands of the skin are more active.

Can tinea versicolor recur?

Tinea versicolor is not a harmful infection and only affects the top layer of the skin. People often have more than one episode of tinea versicolor. Because the yeast grows naturally on the skin, it can recur (come back).

How often does Tinea versicolor come back?

Tinea versicolor comes back 80% of the time. This means many people need repeat treatment. Patients may also need long-term maintenance treatment.

What is the best treatment for tinea versicolor?

Topical antifungal medications are the treatment of choice for tinea versicolor. A number of topical anti-fungal treatment regimens have been shown to produce a greater than 70% clinical response rate. This includes prescribing patients 2% Nizoral (ketoconazole) cream or foam to be applied once daily for 14 days. 3 

What is Tinea Versicolor?

Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection. It is caused by overgrowth of a fungus that naturally occurs on human skin.

Why do you need topical antifungal?

Because the yeast inhabits the top layer of the skin, ​the epidermis, topical anti-fungal medications tend to be very effective, at least early on or during the first occurrence of the infection. 1 . If the rash is extensive, oral anti-fungal medications may be needed. Let's look at these different treatments individually.

How long does sulfur salicylic acid shampoo last?

A number of regimens have been shown to be effective. 1  This includes sulfur salicylic acid shampoo applied nightly as a lotion for one week or a zinc-pyrithione shampoo regimen (applied daily as a lotion and left on for five minutes before rinsing) for two weeks.

Is dandruff shampoo good for tinea versicolor?

Dandruff Shampoos. Until recently, dandruff shampoos were the mainstay of treatment for tinea versicolor. They are less effective than the anti-fungal medications and can cause skin irritation, but they are available over-the-counter and are less expensive.

Is tinea versicolor contagious?

Since tinea versicolor is related to the overgrowth of normal (and even protective) fungi on the skin, it is not contagious. 3  A skin scraping and stain can reveal the characteristic yeast under the microscope (which appears like spaghetti and meatballs). 3 .

How often does tinea versicolor return?

Since the causative fungus lives on skin, recurrence of tinea versicolor is common. The return rate can be as high as 60% in the first year of tinea versicolor diagnosis, and increase to 80% in the second year. Preventative therapy such as weekly applications of any of the topical treatment options once weekly for 2-3 months following treatment and then during summer months may help prevent recurrence.

Where does tinea versicolor affect?

The classic presentation is that tinea versicolor primarily affects the trunk and upper arms. In most patients, the spots or patches of tinea versicolor become more lightly pigmented after a period of darker pigmentation, either spontaneously or with sunlight exposure.

What causes a change in skin color?

Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection that leads to a change (darker or lighter) in color in areas on the skin. One may notice round to oval spots, with fine dust-like scaling as well as mild itching. In severe tinea versicolor, the spots can coalesce to form patches. The fungus that causes tinea versicolor is normally present on human skin and usually poses no problems. Many factors, including warm and humid climates, can increase the risk of developing tinea versicolor.

Does tinea versicolor make you darker?

Some research has shown that dark-skinned individuals with tinea versicolor or those who have tanned skin are likely to present with secondary skin changes that result in lighter color.

How to get vitiligo back?

Take a medication called psoralen to help restore normal coloring to your skin. Psoralen is available by prescription only and may be used either orally or topically, several times a week. The medication is for people who have vitiligo on more than 20 percent of their bodies. Psoralen is used in conjunction with light therapy.

How to treat vitiligo on the face?

Apply prescription-strength steroidal medications to skin affected by vitiligo. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology explains that steroids are the first-line treatment for vitiligo and are usually used for months at a time to help new pigment cells form in the skin 2.

What is the best way to restore normal skin color?

Take a medication called psoralen to help restore normal coloring to your skin.

What is the procedure to get rid of white spots on the face?

Consider surgical means to restore pigment if you have a severe case of white spots due to vitiligo. Skin grafts and blister grafting are two procedures in which normal skin is transferred to the spots that lack color.

How to get rid of white spots on skin?

How to Restore the Pigment to White Spots on the Skin. Learn More. Apply a moisturizing lotion to the dry, itchy white spots on your skin if you have been diagnosed with eczema, also known as dermatitis. Try not to use products with heavy scents or those that are abrasive in nature.

What is the pigment that makes skin color?

Perfectly even skin tone is hard to achieve. Your skin color, or pigment, is produced by cells called melanocytes. These cells can become damaged in many ways, including too much sun exposure, and leave you with a mottled complexion or white spots on your skin.

How long does it take to take PUVA?

Ask your doctor about a type of light therapy called "psoralen plus ultraviolet A" (PUVA). If you are taking an oral form of the drug, you'll take it two hours before being exposed to the ultraviolet rays. If the medication is applied to your skin, you'll have light therapy within a half hour of the application.

How long does it take for tinea versicolor to clear up?

At this stage, tinea versicolor either clears up within a few weeks or is helped along with anti-fungal ointment 1.

How to tell if you have tinea versicolor?

Tinea versicolor is characterized by a profusion of irregular or oval-shaped spots roughly one-quarter inch in diameter across the chest or back 1. They are usually pink or reddish-brown in color and not raised from the skin. Itching generally occurs only when the skin becomes dry or overheated, while sweat and warm water can sooth the sensation. All these symptoms are the body's reaction against the final stage of tinea versicolor infection 1. The skin becomes red because the immune system is sending platelets to the affected areas in order to stem the spread of the infection; this creates the pigmentation. The itch is caused by the yeast eating away at the infected skin cells. Shortly after the initial appearance of the spots, the skin becomes flaky and sloughs away, which is the body's attempt to counter the infection by growing new skin cells and destroying the infected ones. At this stage, tinea versicolor either clears up within a few weeks or is helped along with anti-fungal ointment 1.

What is the name of the yeast that lives on the skin of humans?

Tinea versicolor is also known as haole rot 1. This yeast lives on the skin of human beings and animals under normal conditions and is kept in check by the body's cells and immune system.

Why is my skin red after tinea versicolor?

The skin becomes red because the immune system is sending platelets to the affected areas in order to stem the spread of the infection; this creates the pigmentation.

Can yeast infect the body?

Even then, the yeast cannot infect the body unless the body's immune system is compromised in ...

Diagnosis

  • Your doctor can diagnose tinea versicolor 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.
See more on mayoclinic.org

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. Examples include: 1. Ketoconazole (Ketoconazole, Nizoral, others) cream, gel or shampoo 2. Ciclopirox (Loprox, Penlac) cream, gel …
See more on mayoclinic.org

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

  • For a mild case of tinea versicolor, you can apply an over-the-counter antifungal lotion, cream, ointment or shampoo. Most fungal infections respond well to these topical agents, which include: 1. Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) cream or lotion 2. Miconazole (Micaderm) cream 3. Selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue) 1 percent lotion 4. Terbinafine (Lamisil AT) ...
See more on mayoclinic.org

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • You're likely to start by first seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. He or she may treat you or refer you to a specialist in skin disorders (dermatologist).
See more on mayoclinic.org

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9