Tinea versicolor

Tinea Versicolor is a common fungal skin infection which is caused by excessive growth of yeast on the skin.

Tinea Versicolor is also known as pityriasis versicolor. It is a common skin infection caused by yeast, typically of the genus Malassezia. It is not contagious and is generated by the bodies own mechanisms which naturally produce yeast.

Symptoms

Tinea Versicolor can be characterized by lighter or darker patches on the skin. These patches are most commonly found on the chest, back, waist, inside elbow crease and in the groin. Tinea Versicolor patches are typically flat, round, can join to form large areas, and they may look scaly and can be itchy. The condition is more common in hot, humid climates or in those who sweat heavily.

Causes

The specific causes of Tinea Versicolor are unknown. Anecdotally, people have reported that outbreaks appear to be related to sugar consumption. Yeast, which is a single celled living organism, feeds on sugar.

Diagnoses

Diagnoses is typically based on a medical history and physical exam, and it can be confirmed by a potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation or by the use of a Wood's lamp, which causes the lesions to fluoresce copper-orange. Additionally, the clusters of Tinea Versicolor may glow under direct black light.

Treatment

There are many widely prescribed and utilized treatments for Tinea Versicolor. Prescriptions such as topical antifungal medications such as ketoconazole, ciclopirox, or miconazole, fluconazole, and itraconazole are commonly prescribed.

Natural treatments include eucalyptus and selenium applied topically. In addition to these topical treatments, eliminating dietary intake of processed sugar may eliminate or reduce outbreaks.