Is tinea versicolor life threatening?
Tinea versicolor is not a harmful infection and only affects the top layer of the skin. People often have more than one episode of tinea versicolor. Because the yeast grows naturally on the skin, it can recur (come back).
Will my skin return to normal after tinea versicolor?
It causes patches on the skin that are lighter or darker than your normal skin color. The patches most often occur on the chest or back. They also stop the skin from tanning evenly and often appear as lighter spots on tan skin. After treatment, it might take several months for your skin color to return to normal.
Does tinea versicolor cause scarring?
Treatment of tinea versicolor for people with skin of color typically involves using topical antifungal agents. Clearance of the disease can be achieved but recurrence is common. There is no permanent scarring or skin color changes, though the change in skin color can take 3-4 months or more to improve.
What can a dermatologist do for tinea versicolor?
Depending on the severity of your tinea versicolor, your dermatologist may recommend a prescription-strength or over-the-counter antifungal shampoo, cream or lotion that can clear the skin. The active ingredient in these products is usually selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, miconazole, pyrithione zinc or terbinafine.
Why is my tinea versicolor getting worse?
Tinea versicolor is caused by a fungus. This fungus lives all around us, including on the skin. Normally, regular washing and showering removes dead skin and fungi (more than one fungus). But in hot and humid weather, such as during the summer or in tropical areas, fungi may grow more rapidly.
Is Tinea versicolor a fungal infection?
Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection of the skin. It’s also called pityriasis versicolor and is caused by a type of yeast that naturally lives on your skin. Because the yeast grows naturally on your skin, tinea versicolor is not contagious.
What causes tinea versicolor (pink spots)?
An overgrowth of yeast on the skin surface causes tinea versicolor. If your skin is warm, moist, and oily enough, naturally occurring yeast may grow in small colonies. These yeast colonies cause the symptoms of tinea versicolor. What are the symptoms of tinea versicolor?
What is pityriasis versicolor (Tinea versicolor)?
Tinea versicolor is also called pityriasis versicolor. What is tinea versicolor? Tinea versicolor is a superficial fungal infection of the skin. It is caused by overgrowth of a yeast that is normally present on the skin. It can cause skin discoloration and, sometimes, mild itching.
What is Tinea versicolor (pigmentation patch)?
The fungus interferes with the normal pigmentation of the skin, resulting in small, discolored patches. These patches may be lighter or darker in color than the surrounding skin and most commonly affect the trunk and shoulders. Tinea versicolor (TIN-ee-uh vur-si-KUL-ur) occurs most frequently in teens and young adults.