what is the treatment for tinea versicolor

Medication

Tinea versicolor

• Diagnosis. Your doctor can diagnose tinea versicolor by looking at it. ...
• Treatment. If tinea versicolor is severe or doesn't respond to over-the-counter antifungal medicine, you may need a prescription-strength medication.
• Lifestyle and home remedies. ...
• Preparing for your appointment. ...

Nutrition

“Light-colored skin tends to get darker spots, while dark-colored skin seems to [turn] lighter,” says Schultz. In some cases of tinea versicolor (like mine) skin turns white because the fungus produces azelaic acid, which bleaches and lightens the skin.

What can clear up tinea versicolor very quickly?

What's worked best for me:

• Have someone apply - or get a cheap back brush from the drugstore - selsun blue. At least once a day, let it sit for 20 minutes or so.
• Wash it with selsun blue every time you shower. Forever. ...
• Shower every day. Don't hang out sweaty, especially when it's hot. ...
• Use otc antifungal. I like the sprays since I get it over my whole back. ...

How to tell if tinea versicolor is healing?

To help you manage tinea versicolor you can:

• Avoid using oily skin products.
• Reduce the time you spend in the sun. ...
• Use an anti-fungal shampoo daily for a couple of days prior to sun exposure if you do have to go out.
• Put on sunscreen every day. ...
• Try a dandruff shampoo with selenium sulfide.
• Wear loose clothing.
• Choose breathable fabrics, like cotton, to decrease sweating.

How do I get rid of tinea versicolor for good?

What is Tinea versicolor and how do I treat it?

What is the fastest way to get rid of tinea versicolor?

Body washing with dandruff shampoos containing selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue), pyrithione zinc (Head & Shoulders, Soothe), and ketoconazole (Nizoral) may help the tinea versicolor clear faster and stay away longer. In the past, some have recommended application of shampoos for overnight use.

What is the main cause of tinea versicolor?

It's caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast (fungus) that's naturally found on your skin. Hot weather, humidity and sun exposure can make tinea versicolor worse. It's not harmful or contagious but can be mildly itchy. Tinea versicolor is most commonly found on your shoulders, back and upper chest.

Can you get rid of tinea versicolor?

How do you get rid of tinea versicolor? Using antifungal creams, shampoos, soaps, and lotions can stop the fungus overgrowth and get rid of tinea versicolor. If symptoms don't respond to topical treatments, a dermatologist can prescribe an oral antifungal to kill the fungus.

Which treatment is best to treat tinea?

Ringworm on the skin like athlete's foot (tinea pedis) and jock itch (tinea cruris) can usually be treated with non-prescription antifungal creams, lotions, or powders applied to the skin for 2 to 4 weeks. There are many non-prescription products available to treat ringworm, including: Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex)

Can tinea be cured permanently?

Because of this, tinea infection is hard to cure and can come back easily. Treatment may need to be repeated. Treatment of athlete's foot (tinea pedis) may include: Antifungal cream.

What soap is good for tinea versicolor?

OTC Tinea Versicolor Treatment Antifungal washes including zinc pyrithione soap, sulfur salicylic acid shampoo, and Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide) shampoo are also used to treat mild cases of tinea versicolor.

What antifungal cream is best for tinea versicolor?

Topical tinea versicolor treatmentAzole antifungal creams like clotrimazole 1%, ketoconazole 2%, econazole 1%, and miconazole 2% are examples that work well when used once or twice daily for 1 to 4 weeks. ... Ketoconazole 2% shampoo works better with a shorter duration of therapy.More items...•

Why won't my tinea versicolor go away?

Tinea versicolor doesn't usually go away on its own, but it's very treatable with a few over-the-counter antifungal shampoos and creams, and there are prescription options for more severe cases.

What is the best home remedy for tinea versicolor?

Applying turmeric paste on the affected area can help reduce irritation, itching and pigmentation for those suffering from Tinea Versicolor. Turmeric can give you instant relief from all your woes.

What is the best cream for tinea?

Most fungal infections respond well to these topical agents, which include:Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) cream or lotion.Miconazole (Micaderm) cream.Selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue) 1 percent lotion.Terbinafine (Lamisil AT) cream or gel.Zinc pyrithione soap.

What happens if tinea is left untreated?

Left untreated, athlete's foot can affect the toenails — which may thicken, become discolored or crumble — and even spread to your hands or groin. Additionally, athlete's foot can make you more vulnerable to bacterial infections, such as cellulitis.

Why do I keep getting tinea?

Overheating and perspiration contribute to tinea infections. Suggestions to avoid tinea infection include: After washing, dry the skin thoroughly, particularly between the toes and within skin folds. Expose the skin to the air as much as possible.

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 

How to get rid of tinea versicolor?

There are several different treatment approaches for getting rid of the tinea versicolor rash. 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 

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 .

Does Tinea versicolor recur?

Tinea versicolor often responds readily to treatment, though recurrence is very likely as noted earlier. 4  While the spots (macules) usually resolve shortly, the changes in pigmentation may take much longer to resolve as the melanocytes need to begin producing melanin again.

What does a dermatologist prescribe for tinea versicolor?

What a dermatologist prescribes depends on several things. These include where the tinea versicolor appears on your body, how much skin has tinea versicolor, how thick the spots have grown, and the climate. Treatment for tinea versicolor may include the following.

What to do if tinea versicolor is thick?

Anti-fungal pills: A dermatologist may prescribe these pills if the tinea versicolor covers a large area of the body, is thick, or often returns after it is treated. These pills are taken for a short time. During this time, your dermatologist will monitor you.

How often should I use a medicated cleanser for Tinea versicolor?

Using a medicated cleanser once or twice a month, especially during warm and humid periods, can prevent the yeast from overgrowing again.

What is the best treatment for yeast infection?

Medicine applied to the skin: This is the most common treatment. There are anti-fungal shampoos, soaps, creams, and lotions that can keep the yeast under control. The active ingredient in these medicines is often selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, or pyrithione zinc.

How to get rid of a scab on your face?

Scrape off a bit of the skin. This will be examined under a microscope. Look at the skin with a special device called a Wood's lamp. The dermatologist will hold the Wood's lamp about 4 or 5 inches from the affected skin.

Can Tinea versicolor grow back?

Tinea versicolor can return. When the air outdoors is warm and humid, the yeast can quickly grow out of control. Some people who live in a tropical climate may need to use a medicated cleanser year round to prevent the yeast from overgrowing.

What is the best treatment for tinea versicolor?

Doctors treat tinea versicolor with antifungal medications. Your doctor may recommend a topical antifungal medication, such as ketoconazole (Xolegel® or Extina®). You’ll apply this as a cream or wash to areas of your skin affected by the condition.

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.

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.

Is Tinea versicolor contagious?

Tinea versicolor is a fungal skin infection. It is caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin. Tinea versicolor is not contagious and most people recover fully after treatment. Tinea versicolor is also called pityriasis versicolor.

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 to treat tinea versicolor?

Treatment of tinea versicolor can consist of creams, lotions, or shampoos that you put on your skin. It can also include medication given as pills. The type of treatment will depend on the size, location, and thickness of the infected area. Treatment options include: Topical antifungals. You put these directly to your skin.

How long does it take for tinea versicolor to go away?

You might use medicated cleansers once a week for 10 minutes at a time for a few months to help prevent tinea versicolor from coming back.

What does tinea versicolor look like?

Some skin problems have symptoms that look like tinea versicolor, including: Vitiligo: a disease that makes you lose your skin color. Pityriasis rosea: a rash that causes small spots that fan out on your body in the shape of a tree. These conditions have features that clue your doctor in to what you have, such as texture and rash pattern.

What is the name of the yeast that causes discolored spots on the skin?

Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection that causes small patches of discolored spots on your skin. It's also called pityriasis versicolor. It results from 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.

What causes tinea versicolor?

The yeast that causes tinea versicolor, Malassezia, grows on normal, healthy skin. But these things can trigger an overgrowth that causes the infection: Oily skin. Living in a hot climate. Sweating a lot.

How to get rid of a rash from a tan?

It may trigger or worsen an episode, and a tan makes the rash more visible. Use an anti-fungal shampoo daily for a couple of days prior to sun exposure if you do have to go out. Put on sunscreen every day. Use a broad spectrum, nongreasy formula with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30.

What is the best way to treat yeast on skin?

You put these directly to your skin. They may be in the form of lotion, shampoo, cream, foam, or soap. They keep yeast growth under control. Over-the-counter anti-fungal topical products containing ingredients such as clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, zinc-pyrithione, selenium sulfide, and terbinafine are available.

How to prevent tinea versicolor from returning?

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.

Why does tinea versicolor grow?

It only starts causing problems when the fungus overgrows. A number of factors may trigger this growth, including: Hot, humid weather. Oily skin. Hormonal changes. Weakened immune system.

What causes discolored patches on the skin?

The fungus interferes with the normal pigmentation of the skin, resulting in small, discolored patches. These patches may be lighter or darker in color than the surrounding skin and most commonly affect the trunk and shoulders. Tinea versicolor (TIN-ee-uh vur-si-KUL-ur) occurs most frequently in teens and young adults.

Is tinea versicolor contagious?

Sun exposure may make tinea versicolor more apparent. Tinea versicolor, which is also called pityriasis versicolor, is not painful or contagious. But it can lead to emotional distress or self-consciousness. Antifungal creams, lotions or shampoos can help ...

What is the treatment for tinea versicolor?

Specific treatment for tinea versicolor will be discussed with you by your healthcare provider based on: Treatment usually includes the use of an antifungal or dandruff shampoo on the skin, as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Tinea versicolor usually happens again, needing additional treatments.

How to tell if you have tinea versicolor?

Usually, the only symptom of tinea versicolor is the white or light brown patches with well-defined borders. Patches may scale slightly, but rarely itch or hurt. Other common characteristics of the rash include the following: 1 White, pink, or reddish-brown patches 2 Infection only on the top layers of the skin 3 The rash usually happens on the trunk 4 The rash does not usually happen on the face 5 Patches worsen in the heat, humidity, or if you are on steroid therapy or have a weakened immune system 6 Patches are most noticeable in the summer 7 Affected areas do not darken in the sun

When are tinea versicolor patches most noticeable?

Patches are most noticeable in the summer. Affected areas do not darken in the sun. The symptoms of tinea versicolor may resemble other skin conditions. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

What is the best light to see patches?

In addition, your healthcare provider may use an ultraviolet light , called a Woods Lamp, to see the patches more clearly.

Can Tinea versicolor be treated?

Tinea versicolor usually happens again, needing additional treatments. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe topical creams or oral antifungal medicines. It is also important to know that improvement in the skin may be only temporary, and the condition can happen again.

What is the best treatment for Tinea Versicolor?

Tinea Versicolor Selsun Blue Treatment. One of the most common and most effective treatments for Tinea Versicolor is applying Selsun Blue shampoo to the affected areas of skin. There are several formulations of Selsun Blue with different active ingredients. This Selsun Blue is the formula that works fastest.

How to keep tinea versicolor from recurring?

Braggs is a trusted, well known brand. You can also drink apple cider vinegar to keep tinea versicolor from recurring. Mix two tablespoons in water and drink this once or twice daily .

How to treat a rash on the face from Tinea Versicolor?

Oregano oil has been known to treat Tinea Versicolor. Mix one parts olive oil and one part oregano oil and apply to affected areas. 3. Cinnamon Essential Oil. Cinnamon essential oil is also a great anti-fungal. Mix a few drops of cinnamon essential oil to a tablespoon of olive oil and apply to the skin rash.

How to use tumeric to treat tinnea?

To use Turmeric to treat Tinea Versicolor mix 2 tablespoons of organic raw Turmeric with some fresh coffee grounds, grapeseed oil and water to make a body scrub. Gently exfoliate the affected area and let the mixture sit on the skin for a few minutes before washing off.

What is the best way to get rid of yeast infection?

Yogurt. Yogurt is full of good probiotics that help keep yeast at bay. Yogurt, a long standing folk remedy for yeast infections, can be applied to the skin and left on 20-30 minutes daily until rash is gone. The best kind of yogurt to use is plain greek yogurt because it is thick.

How to get rid of a tinnea rash?

Garlic. One of the world’s best known anti-fungal foods is garlic. You can apply garlic oil or garlic juice to the Tinea Versicolor rash and wash off after 15 minutes. Some people with gallbladder issues may find eating garlic to give them discomfort.

How to apply Aloe Vera to a rash?

The best way to apply Aloe Vera is directly from a leaf. Cut open a fresh leaf of Aloe and wipe the inside jelly part onto the rash. Be careful not to prick your fingers as the spikes on the leaves of Aloe can be very pointy. Aloe Vera is a very easy to grow succulent. Everyone should have an Aloe Vera plant at home.

What is the best treatment for tinea versicolor?

A common tinea versicolor natural cure is the powerful anti-fungal component of tea tree oil. Use this to combat any symptoms of itchiness while preventing the infection from spreading and possibly reoccurring.

How to treat tinea versicolor?

One of the best natural ways to treat tinea versicolor is by using aloe vera. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal components may hinder the powers of the fungal infection. Aloe vera could also be used to heal the damage done to the skin.

What causes tinea versicolor?

Known as pityriasis versicolor in certain medical circles, this infection is mainly caused by the fungus Malassezia globosa, with some cases by the Malassezia furfur fungi.

How to treat lilac rash?

You can also grind fresh Indian lilac leaves and add water to make a paste. Apply to the affected area and rinse once the paste is dried. Use a carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil to mix with Indian lilac oil for another natural treatment. Repeat this process twice a day for two to three weeks. 8.

What is the best herb to use for a fungus infection?

A natural herb known as Indian lilac, or neem, has anti-fungal, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties. Use it to decrease healing time as it may stop the growth of the infection.

How to restore skin to natural look?

These are also intended to restore the skin’s natural look. 1. Healthy Diet. Maintain a healthy and well-balanced diet to treat the infection and help prevent future outbreaks. A weakened immune system can lead to the breakdown of the health of the skin such as in the case of tinea versicolor.