Tinea versicolor is a common skin infection caused by the Malassezia fungus. It causes patches of discolored skin but is not harmful or contagious. While it may cause emotional distress, the fungus usually lives harmlessly on the skin. Tinea versicolor is more common in teenagers due to hormones and occurs in people of all ages. Factors like weak immune systems, hormones, sweat, and heat can cause the fungus to overgrow and discolor patches of skin.

1. Tinea Versicolor

2. Tinea Versicolor
Tinea Versicolor is a common skin infection caused
by fungus Malassezia. Tinea Versicolor is not
contagious and does not cause any health issues.
However, multiple patches on the skin can cause
emotional distress among patients. The malassezia
fungus lives on the skin and protects it from other
infections and diseases, but sometimes the
unexpected growth of fungus leads to the loss of
skin pigmentation. Tinea Versicolor is common
among teenagers due to hormonal fluctuations.
However, Tinea Versicolor can affect people of all
ages and genders. Tinea Versicolor is also known as
Pityriasis.

3. Causes of Tinea Versicolor
The rapid growth of fungus causes the discoloration of skin
resulting in Tinea Versicolor. Certain biological and
environmental factors can cause overgrowth of fungi on the
skin. Possible causes of Tinea Versicolor are:
Weak immune system
 Hormonal imbalance
 Excessive oily skin
 Living in hot and humid weather
 Excessive sweating
 Genetic history of Tinea Versicolor

4. Symptoms
The most visible symptom of Tinea Versicolor is the changes
in skin color. These discolored patches usually appear on
arms, chest, back, or neck. Tinea Versicolor often results in the
loss of skin color in people with dark skin this known as
hypopigmentation and in some people skin appears to be dark
which is known as hyperpigmentation. The symptoms of Tinea
Versicolor get worse in the hot and humid weather. Other
common symptoms of Tinea Versicolor are:
Dry skin
 Itchy skin
 Formation of red, white or brown color patches
 Permanent tanned skin

5. Diagnosis of Tinea Versicolor
A dermatologist can diagnose Tinea Versicolor
simply by looking at the discolored patches.
Sometimes dermatologists take the sample from the
affected area. The sample is further observed under
a microscope to determine the possible cause of the
infection. A patient should tell the doctor about their
medical history and symptoms they have been
experiencing.

6. Treatments
The treatment of Tinea Versicolor depends on the factors
such as severity of the infection, climate, thickness and
area of the infection. The treatment of Tinea Versicolor
involves the combination of lifestyle changes and
medicines.
Anti fungal medications to prevent the infection from
spreading to other body parts.
 Creams and lotions containing pyrithione zinc or
ketoconazole can kill rapid growth of fungus on the skin.
 Using anti-fungal soap to clean the affected area.
 Avoid prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays.
 Avoid going out in hot and humid temperature.
 Bath daily to avoid excessive accumulation of oil and dirt
on the skin.

7. Prevention of Tinea Versicolor
In order to prevent Tinea Versicolor from relapsing,
a dermatologist may prescribe a skin or oral
treatment that you use once or twice a month
including:
 Selenium sulfide
 Ketoconazole cream, gel, shampoo
 Itraconazole tablets, capsules or oral solution
 Fluconazole tablets or oral solution

8. Logon to
www.lazoi.com
Like us on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/LazoiTheLife
Follow us on Twitter
https://www.twitter.com/lazoithelife
Follow us on Pinterest
https://www.in.pinterest.com/lazoithelife