WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is tinea versicolor and what causes it? Tinea versicolor is a long-term infection that leaves colored spots on your skin. Tinea versicolor is caused by a fungus. The fungus is always present on your skin. It is harmless unless it grows too quickly. What increases my risk of tinea versicolor? Tinea versicolor is not spread from one person to another. The following put you at risk of tinea versicolor: - Moisture: You wear tight clothes that do not allow your skin to air out. You sweat heavily when you play sports or are in humid climates. The fungus grows quickly in hot, wet places.
- Medical conditions: Your skin is burned, you have a weak immune system, or you are pregnant.
- Medicines: You take certain medicines, such as steroids or birth control pills.
What are the signs and symptoms of tinea versicolor? You may not have any symptoms until you see spots on your skin. You may have many oval, patchy spots on your chest, back, arms, or face. They may be white, pink, red, or brown. The color will depend on how dark your skin is and how much sunlight you get. The spots may be close together and cover a large area. They may be lighter than the rest of your skin in summer and darker in winter. The spots may itch. How is tinea versicolor diagnosed? Your healthcare provider may be able to tell you have tinea versicolor by the shape and color of the spots. You may also need the following test: - Microscopy: Your healthcare provider may gently scrape off some of your skin with a special tool. He will look at the skin sample through a microscope. This will help him learn if you have tinea versicolor.
How is tinea versicolor treated? Your skin may clear up after you expose it to sunlight. The changes to your skin color may last for weeks or months after treatment. - Antifungal cream: Tinea versicolor is usually treated with an antifungal (kills fungus) cream . You may also need to use a special shampoo on your skin. Apply the cream or shampoo as directed. You may need to use the cream for 4 weeks to treat your symptoms. You may need to apply it for 3 months to keep your symptoms from coming back.
What are the risks of tinea versicolor? You may get tinea versicolor again, even after treatment. You might have to take more than one kind of medicine to treat a severe infection. Without treatment, your infection could become severe. How can I manage or prevent tinea versicolor? Tinea versicolor usually comes back, especially in hot and humid times of the year. You can manage the symptoms and help prevent it. - Keep your skin clean and dry. Bathe daily. Your healthcare provider may tell you to apply a special shampoo to your skin from time to time to keep the infection from coming back. Dry your skin completely after you bathe and play sports. Dry between your toes and anywhere your skin touches or folds.
- Do not share clothes or towels. Use your own towel if you live with others or go to the gym.
- Clean showers, baths, and mats with disinfectant (cleaner that kills germs). Clean floors where you might walk barefoot.
- Wash clothes and towels in hot water.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - Your signs and symptoms do not get better within 2 weeks of treatment.
- Your signs and symptoms get worse or come back after treatment.
- You get a headache that does not go away after you take pain medicine.
- You have a fever.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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