Fungal infections of the human body are extremely common, and are often very bothersome. One such example is a condition called tinea versicolor, a superficial yeast infection that produces white spots on the skin that are hard to eliminate.
How do I get it?
Pityrosporum orbiculare, the yeast that causes tinea versicolor, is found in tiny amounts on normal skin; routine washing rids skin of dead skin cells in addition to excess yeast. Teens and young adults, irrespective of skin colour, are the typical victims of tinea versicolor, and people with oily skin may be more prone to it than those with dry skin.
In tropical countries, where humidity and temperature are persistently elevated, people of all ages can suffer from such areas all throughout the year.
What are the signs?
Flat spots that range in colour from white to pink to tan and brown look over the upper arms, chest, back, face and neck. They vary considerably in size, from as little as four to five millimeters in diameter to large regions of confluence. Scaling may not be readily evident, but scales can easily be obtained by scratching the affected regions. A mild itch could be present, especially if a man is sweating or feels sexy. When the stains involve the face or neck, it can be quite disconcerting.
What can I do about it?
If you feel you have white spots or some other discolorations of the skin, see a dermatologist. The look of the skin is often all that’s needed to clinch a diagnosis, but microscopic examination of the fine scales can be carried out if necessary. When viewed under a particular light or chemical preparation, the presence of the yeast could be verified.
How it’s treated?
Tinea versicolor reacts to either oral or topical forms of therapy. Topical antifungal creams, ointments, or shampoos – containing selenium sulfide, keteconazole, zinc-pyrithrone, imidazole, or alternative medicines – applied directly to affected areas once or twice daily have shown successful. Sulfur soap and salicyclic acid also have been used to rid the skin of yeast.
Oral antifungals are used in the treatment of tinea versicolor resistant to topical applications. In both oral and topical forms of therapy, however, restoration of skin colour ought to be expected several months following yeast was destroyed. Consult your dermatologist before using any of these medications. Recurrence is common and treated cleansers may be required to prevent relapses. Ask your dermatologist about them. To dissuade overgrowth of fungus, keep skin dry and wear thin, loose clothes.
