How to Treat Tinea Versicolor
Tinea Versicolor is a fungal infection caused by Pityrosporum ovale, a type of yeast that is normally found on human skin. The pigmentation of your skin loses color, resulting in white patches on the parts of your body that are affected. It is exacerbated by high humidity and mostly affects adolescent and young adult males. The most common areas affected are the back, underarms, upper arms, chest and neck. In African-Americans, it can cause either a loss of pigmentation or an increase in pigmentation.
Instructions
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Purchase a dandruff shampoo like Head & Shoulders. Apply to the skin while in the shower and let sit for 10 minutes. Rinse off. Try this for several days. If symptoms such as itching and increased sweating continue, proceed to the next step.
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Purchase Cruex or Mycelex over-the-counter anti-fungal creams. Apply to the skin as directed on the package.
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Contact your doctor if the symptoms of excessive sweating and itching do not disappear. Your doctor will prescribe an anti-fungal medication.
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Prevent Tinea Versicolor from recurring. Avoid excessive heat or sweating. Dress in loose clothing; for women, tight pants may contribute to reinfection. To prevent recurrence, Medscape recommends boiling your clothing to ensure they're cleaned well. Obesity can contribute, as the fungus can grow easily in flaps of skin.
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Tips & Warnings
Read the labels on the over-the-counter anti-fungal creams as they cannot be taken with certain medications and by people with certain health conditions.
