Tinea Versicolor Treatment

Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection of the skin, characterized by the development of small, discolored skin patches. The fungus that causes this skin disorder can be usually found on the human skin, but in certain circumstances they can proliferate rapidly to cause skin infection. This fungal infection is more prevalent among teenagers and young adults.

Tinea Versicolor Causes and Symptoms

Most of the cases of tinea versicolor are caused by the fungus, Malassezia globosa, while a few cases are caused by another type of fungus, known as Malassezia furfur. Though these fungi can be found on human skin and they usually do not cause any problem, certain factors can stimulate their overgrowth. Fungus mainly thrives in hot and humid environment. Therefore, factors like, hot and humid weather, excessive sweating and oily skin are some of the risk factors for this fungal skin infection.

Even a weak immune system and hormonal fluctuations in the body can also predispose an individual to get this fungal infection. Its symptoms are oval or irregular small white spots on skin, scaling of the skin, and development of small, but scaly and discolored skin patches and mild itching. The characteristic skin patches of tinea versicolor can be white, pink or dark brown in color and they can enlarge with time.

Tinea Versicolor Cure

Over the counter, as well as prescription antifungal cream or topical medications are usually used for treating tinea versicolor. The most effective topical antifungal medications available for this purpose are, ketoconazole cream and shampoo, clotrimazole, selenium sulfide, terbinafine, miconazole, butenafine and naftifine. In most of the cases, the symptoms resolve with the use of these topical antifungal preparations.

If topical antifungal medications fail to address the condition, then oral antifungal medications can be required for its treatment. Pills or oral antifungal medications that are usually used for treating this fungal infection are, ketoconazole, itraconazole and fluconazole. These medications are available with a prescription. These antifungal medications can, however, cause a few side effects like, nausea and liver damage, if used for a long time. Though less effective than antifungal medications, dandruff shampoos can also be used for the treatment of this condition, especially if the infection is mild. Antidandruff shampoos that contain sulfur salicylic acid and zinc pyrithione, as well as selenium sulfide shampoos are usually used for this purpose.

Natural or home remedies for this condition include substances like, tea tree oil and garlic. Both garlic and tea tree oil are known for their antifungal properties and hence, their application on the affected area can provide great relief. You can also eat one or two cloves of garlic daily for naturally treating this skin condition. Chewing cloves on a regular basis can also prove helpful in this regard. Unflavored and unsweetened yogurt is another home remedy that can be consumed, as well as applied topically to get rid of this condition. Other natural remedies for this fungal infection include, citrus fruits, tomato juice and apple cider vinegar.

Along with applying these natural remedies, do not forget to visit a physician to evaluate the condition of the affected skin. This would help to determine the severity of the condition, and design a proper treatment plan. Proper treatment can help to restore the normal pigmentation of the discolored skin patches. Finally, be sure to maintain good personal hygiene to avoid this fungal infection in the future.