What causes tinea versicolor
Malassezia mushrooms belong to the normal microflora of the skin and feed on sebum. Under favorable conditions, they become active and multiply in the stratum corneum. Fungi produce substances that disrupt the functioning of pigment cells, so the spots become light and do not tan, and when inflamed, they turn pink or brown. The disease is more common in adolescents and young adults when the sebaceous glands are active, and is rare in young children.
- Hot and humid climate
- Excessive sweating
- Oily skin
- Synthetic and tight clothing
- Oil creams and lotions
- Decreased immunity, taking glucocorticosteroids
Symptoms
Spots appear on the upper body, shoulders, neck, and less commonly on the face, armpits and groin. At first these are small round spots a few millimeters in size, which gradually merge into large lesions with scalloped edges. The color can be whitish, pinkish, yellow-brown or café au lait. It is characterized by fine peeling, similar to bran, which intensifies when scraped. Itching is usually mild or absent and sometimes occurs with sweating.
- Spots on the back, chest, shoulders, neck
- Light or brown shades
- Merger into large foci
- Fine pityriasis-like peeling
- The spots don't tan
- Mild itching when sweating
Diagnosis and similar diseases
A dermatologist usually makes a diagnosis during an examination. To confirm, use a Wood's fluorescent lamp, in the light of which the lesions may glow yellowish, and an iodine test. Microscopy of the scraping reveals the characteristic elements of the fungus. Pityriasis versicolor is distinguished from vitiligo, in which the patches are completely white and do not peel off, as well as from pityriasis rosea, seborrheic dermatitis, secondary syphilis and residual light spots after other skin inflammations.
- Examination by a dermatologist
- Fluorescent diagnostics with Wood's lamp
- Iodine test
- Microscopy of scraping
- Elimination of vitiligo, pityriasis rosea and syphilis
Treatment
For limited lesions, antifungal creams, solutions or shampoos are prescribed, which are used to treat the body skin for several days or weeks. With a widespread process, frequent relapses and ineffectiveness of local therapy, the doctor may prescribe antifungal drugs orally. After the fungus is destroyed, the peeling disappears, but the light spots persist for months: the pigment cells need time to recover. Moderate sun helps even out the tone, but only after treatment and without burns.
- Antifungal creams and solutions
- Therapeutic shampoos for body skin
- Oral medications for common forms
- Control of effectiveness by a dermatologist
- Gradual restoration of skin color
Relapse Prevention
Tinea versicolor often returns because the fungi remain on the skin and the triggering conditions persist. For people prone to relapses, the doctor may recommend the prophylactic use of antifungal shampoo on the skin of the body during the warm season. It is important to wear breathable clothing, shower quickly after sweating, and avoid using greasy oils on your torso. Boiling laundry and disinfecting clothes are not required, since the disease is practically not transmitted through things.
- Cotton or linen clothing
- Shower after exercise and heat
- Avoiding body oils
- Preventive antifungal agents in summer as prescribed by a doctor
- Sweating control