Skin Fungus and White Spots

Tinea versicolor, fungal infection can interfere with the normal pigmentation of the skin and create small spots which give a patchy appearance to the skin. This skin infection is quite common in hot and humid areas. Teens and young adults seem to be more prone to this infection. The condition can be prevented by following some measures. Also, if you have this skin condition then it is important to seek a dermatologist. Here are the causes and symptoms of this condition that will throw more light on this skin disorder.

Causes

Tinea veriscolor is a fungal infection which thrives around the hair follicles region. It can be seen where the hair follicles open on the skin surface. If a little amount of fungus is on the skin, it is not a severe condition and can go unnoticed. However, when the fungus spreads more, the condition tinea versicolor occurs. The conditions which trigger this fungal infection are:

• Greasy skin: If you have oily skin type, then it is possible that you might be prone to such fungal infection. Many teens and young adults tend to have oily skin, hence they are prone to fungal and bacterial infections.
• Excessive sweating: Excessive sweating is another common cause which can cause this skin fungus. Hence, people who workout or into sports can get this skin infection easily.
• Hot and/or humid weather: Hot and humid climate are favorable conditions for this fungus. Hence, this infection is commonly seen in areas which are hot and humid.
• Imbalance of Hormones: Due to imbalance of hormones, or sudden changes of hormones in the body, many people experience this skin condition.
• Immunosuppression: This means lowering of the immune system response. It can be due to certain drugs, or can be a side effect of a treatment like chemotherapy.

Symptoms

This skin condition is more noticeable on dark skin but can affect anyone, regardless the skin color. Listed below are the various symptoms of tinea versicolor, that will help you spot this skin condition.

• Spots: The most noticeable symptom of this infection is spots which can be 1/4 to 1 inch, these spots can be small and then gradually grows big. They can be pink, tan or dark brown in appearance. Sometimes these spots can have sharp borders too. The spots after sun exposure become more noticeable.
• Infection of the Skin: Common areas where this infection can be seen are the body areas where sweating occurs the most. Such areas are neck, back, underarms, and chest.
• Scaling: Sometimes, one can see fine scaling of the skin too. The scaling of the skin is very fine and of ash like coloration.
• Itching: A person experiences mild itching due to this infection. The itching is like pin-prick sensation.

Treatment

Treatment of tinea versicolor depends according to the severity and location of the skin infection, the climate, and the preference of the patients. Given below, are the different treatment methods which are used to treat the fungus on skin, that causes white spots on skin.

If you have a mild case of tinea versicolor then you can use an over-the-counter antifungal skin cream or shampoo. However, if you have a severe case of this skin infection or have recurring case of this skin infection, then seek medical help. Topical shampoos, soaps, creams or lotions which contain selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, or pyrithione zinc are given to the patient. If a patient is using soap/shampoo then the patient is advised to keep the shampoo/soap for a few minutes and then wash the skin with water. Lotions or creams are mostly kept on the infected skin area overnight. The doctor might also prescribe oral medication like ketoconazole. Medicated cleansers are also advised to use once or twice in a month to prevent this skin fungus from recurring. Medicated cleansers should be, especially, used during hot and humid months of the year. The outcome with the treatment is effective, as the fungus is easy to kill. However, for the skin to regain its normal color it takes weeks or months.

Prevention

One should take some preventive measures to avoid recurrence or spreading of this skin infection. Wear natural fabric like cotton, and avoid wearing too tight clothes. Such clothes will allow good ventilation, and prevent the fungal infection. To avoid making the skin greasy, avoid oil based or oily skin products. Your health care provider might prescribe you a topical cream or oral medicine, that you will need to use once or twice a month to avoid recurrence.

There are certain skin conditions which mimic the tinea versicolor condition. But they are very different kind of skin disorders. The condition called pityriasis alba, which is a mild form of eczema, develops mild, patchy lightening of the face, shoulders and torso. Another condition which results in permanent loss of pigment is vitiligo disease. This condition mostly affects the skin around the eyes and lips, knuckles and joints. The spots look porcelain white, but unlike tinea versicolor these spots are permanent.