Tinea Versicolor in Children
Perhaps while at the pool or the beach, you've noticed some patches of discolored skin on your child's back or chest. He hasn't complained about them itching or hurting, but you wonder if it might be something serious. It's more than likely that these discolored patches are caused by Tinea versicolor.
-
Identification
-
Tinea versicolor is a common skin infection caused by a yeast-like fungus. Because it only affects the top layers of skin, it often looks like white, pink, tan, or dark brown patches and actually discolors the skin itself by interfering with normal pigmentation.
Significance
-
Tinea versicolor typically occurs during adolescence or early adulthood, but even young children can get it. The infection can be aggravated by hot, humid conditions, excessive sweating, hormonal changes, oily skin and in some cases where the immune system is compromised. While unsightly, tinea versicolor is rarely dangerous and is not contagious.
-
Symptoms
-
Often, the patches of discoloration are the only observable signs and symptoms are usually more visible during summer months because the patches will actually prevent the skin from tanning. They may be slightly scaly, but are not painful or itchy.
Tinea versicolor usually occurs on the torso, neck, shoulders, and upper arms and rarely affects the face or lower extremities. Because Tinea versicolor may resemble other more serious skin conditions, it's important to consult your child's physician as soon as possible.
Diagnosis
-
When you visit your doctor, a medical history will be taken and a physical examination will be made. The patches cause by Tinea versicolor are unique to the infection and can be easily recognized by the trained eye.
Also, because Tinea versicolor infections glow under an ultraviolet light, one may be used to assist in the diagnosis. Finally, your doctor may take a skin scraping of the patches and send it off for analysis to confirm the diagnosis. Both the ultraviolet light and the skin scraping are painless.
Treatment
-
Tinea versicolor is usually treated by applying a dandruff shampoo containing selenium sulfide to your child's skin. The shampoo is left on the skin overnight and washed off the following morning. It may be necessary to apply the treatment over several nights.
It's important to understand that tinea versicolor often reoccurs and more treatments may be required. Your doctor may also prescribe more powerful topical creams to treat your child's tinea infection and may even prescribe oral antifungal medication.
-
