Tinea Versicolor: Causes, Treatment & Natural Remedies - Femina
Summers can be brutal, especially the heat and humidity it brings along. If you are one of those people who live by the beautiful and calming seas, humidity is your well-known enemy. Even though we spend most of our time under the air conditioner, we often find ourselves drenched in sweat; multiple times a day. The one thing this outrageous season brings along is the various skin infections. One such skin infection is most commonly found in the Tinea versicolor.
1. What is Tinea versicolor Infection?
2. Causes
3. Symptoms
4. Diagnosis
5. Treatment
6. Prevention
7. Natural Remedies
8. FAQ
What is Tinea versicolor Infection?
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Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection that affects the skin. The fungus disrupts the skin's pigmentation which results in small, discolored patches. The fungus called Malassezia is a type of yeast that is found on the surface of the skin. Malassezia helps in protecting your skin from infections and harmful diseases.
They have a symbiotic relationship with the skin cells and support them. There are times when the yeast growth can go out of control and cause damage to your skin's color and its pigmentation. This can cause the development of patches that can be lighter or darker than your natural skin color.
The patches are mostly found on the trunk, back and arms of a person affected by tinea versicolor. It occurs mostly in teens and young adults and can be more visible under sun exposure. Though this infection is not contagious or painful, it can suppress your immune system and cause emotional distress.
Causes
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- Hot And Humid Weather
- Excessive Sweating
- Oily Skin
- Weak Immune System
- Hormonal Changes
Pro Tip: If you live in a city with hot and humid weather and tend to sweat a lot, try making sure to keep yourself as dry as you can. During summers, try using talcum powder to keep your skin sweat-free and dry.
Symptoms
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During summer, heat and humidity levels are on the utmost rise, especially in tropical areas. This causes the fungi to grow more rapidly which then affects the natural balance of the skin, causing discolored patches. Here are some often found symptoms that one must look out for.
- The discolored patches can cause acidic bleaching around the yeast growing areas which can make the spots look red, white, pink, darker or lighter than your natural skin.
- If the spots do not tan the same way the rest of your skin does and shows up more boldly.
- If the spots are more prominent on your neck, back, chest and arms.
- The patches feel dry and might itch or hurt.
Pro Tip: If you find any of the above symptoms and feel like you're not sure if it's a fungal infection, try taking pictures of the affected area for a few days. If you feel like any of these symptoms have gotten worse, immediately show it to your doctor. The progress images of your infection will help the doctor understand and treat it better.
Diagnosis
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If you have noticed any of the above symptoms, it is important to show them to your doctor. Three commonly done tests to diagnose Tinea versicolor which is done by the doctor. Here are the three tests that can be done to get an official diagnosis.
- Black Light Examination: For this testing method, ultraviolet light is used on the affected areas. If the affected areas or patches appear a fluorescent coppery orange color, then it is diagnosed as tinea versicolor.
- Microscopic Testing With Potassium Hydroxide: In this testing method, the medical professional will remove the cells from your skin, mainly from the area of the affected part and soak them in potassium hydroxide. Once it is fully soaked, the skin cells are looked at under a microscope for further testing.
- Skin Biopsy: Similar to microscopic testing, the skin cells from the affected area are scraped out and tested under a microscope. For younger children, the method of scraping the affected skin area can also be done with the help of a tape. The tape is stuck in the discolored skin patch and then removed. The sample then goes under microscopic observation. Skin Biopsy also checks for any signs of skin cancer and as well as other possible infections.
Pro Tip: For younger children, the method of scraping the affected skin area can also be done by sticking a tape on the discolored patch and then removing it.
Treatment
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It is preferred to get treatment from a certified medical professional. The treatment can include ointments, lotions, shampoos as well as medicinal pills. The treatment will vary from the size of the affected area as well as the severity. Here are a few treatment options that are often suggested by doctors.
Topical Antifungal Treatments: Topical treatments consist of ointments, creams, soap, foam or lotions which can be put directly onto your skin. These treatments help in keeping the fungal growth under control and can work greatly on reducing the patches for almost everyone with the infection. These topical treatments can be found as over-the-counter- products, which do not need a doctor's prescription as well as medically prescribed products that cannot be sold without medical approval.
Oral Antifungal Treatments: If topical treatments are not being effective, your doctor can prescribe oral medications which can make the healing process go faster. These oral medicines are usually used for more serious and recurrent cases of tinea versicolor. These medications can only be sold with a doctor's prescription. Oral treatments can also have a few side effects- so it's important to consult a doctor before taking pills and be in constant contact and keep updating them while you are on your treatment cycle.
Pro Tip: Oral treatments can also have a few side effects- so it's important to consult a doctor before taking pills and be in constant contact and keep updating them while you are on your treatment cycle.
Prevention
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Though Tinea versicolor is quite common among teens and young adults, it is important to make a few lifestyle changes from stopping it from aggravating. These changes create a conscious effort in maintaining your wellbeing. Here are a few ways you can avoid getting Tinea versicolor.
- Avoid using products that can make your skin oily. Any kind of moisture that remains on your body for a long can cause fungal infection.
- Wear loose clothes which are preferably made out of breathable fabrics such as cotton. This helps your sweat dry faster and keeps your skin moisture-free.
- Make sure to go out in the sunless. Sun damage can cause rash and the tan can make the affected area look more prominent.
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a non-greasy formula every day. This can help your skin protect against any rash or infection caused by sun damage.
- If you do have to go out and spend the day under the sun, make sure to use an antifungal shampoo or soap.
Pro Tip: Carry extra cotton t-shirts whenever you go out for day trips. Try changing into a fresh t-shirt as this will help prevent any sweat build-up.
Natural Remedies
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If you prefer to have an at-home, natural treatment, here are a few ingredients, which you can find easily at home that can help you treating for Tinea versicolor.
Aloe Vera is a plant loved by all households thanks to its multiple benefits. An ingredient that can cure almost all your concerns, Aloe Vera is greatly known for soothing irritated skin. It is rich in Vitamin B12, which is good for treating Tinea versicolor along with its anti-inflammatory and alkalizing properties which can help soothe the affected area and stop the fungus from spreading.
The neem plants consist of bitter leaves which works wonders in treating various skin infections. It has many antimicrobial properties which makes it an effective remedy for treating Tinea versicolor.
Yoghurt paste can be applied to the affected area and can help in neutralizing the overbalance of yeast which is the main cause of Tinea versicolor. Yoghurt is rich in probiotics which helps in keeping the growth of fungi in check.
A kitchen remedy for all your problems, turmeric can be used in various forms. Applying turmeric paste on the affected area can help reduce irritation, itching and pigmentation for those suffering from Tinea Versicolor. Turmeric can give you instant relief from all your woes.
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Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a great ingredient for moisturizing and calming your skin. Coconut oil is a natural anti-fungal that can kill and stop any fungal infections.
Pro Tip: Mix a teaspoon of turmeric with a half tablespoon of cold yoghurt. Mix it well and apply it to the affected area, and keep it on for up to 10-15 minutes. Then, wash it off with a warm, damp cloth. This will help soothe your irritated skin.
FAQ
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Q. How long does it take for Tinea versicolor to get treated?
A. With the right medications and treatments, Tinea versicolor can be gone after 1-2 months of starting the treatments. You should get a medical professional to look at as soon as you first spot the symptoms. Do remember that the healing process might vary from person to person. It is important to listen to your doctor's advice and follow all medical protocols.
Q. Can Tinea versicolor leave a permanent impact on the skin?
A. No, Tinea versicolor does not leave any permanent pigmentation, scarring or scars. The complete healing of the scars and pigmentation might take time as every treatment works differently for everyone. Stay calm and positive and take all the medical advice seriously.
Q. Is Tinea versicolor hereditary?
A. Though there are no confirmed sources of Tinea versicolor being hereditary, there might be a slight chance of it being so. Tinea versicolor can happen even to the healthiest of individuals. It is important to maintain personal hygiene and avoid letting your skin be moist for a long period.
Also Read: Dermat-Recommended Solutions To Body Acne
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