Tinea Versicolor – What Causes It and How to Prevent It
Fortunately, there are plenty of treatments for tinea versicolor. You can even avoid it altogether by using the right products. However, you need to know what causes it and how to prevent it.
Symptoms
Symptoms of tinea versicolor include spots that may appear on the face, chest, back, or neck. These spots may be flat or scaly and are often itchy. The patches can also look lighter than the rest of the skin. The rash is not contagious and is caused by a yeast-like fungus.
Treatment of tinea versicolor is usually effective but it can take several months. You may need to use topical products or shampoos to help get rid of the rash. You will need to see a doctor to have the infection diagnosed and treated.
There are over-the-counter antifungal medications that can be used to eliminate the rash. These products can be applied directly to the skin or taken as pills. These medications are safe to use during pregnancy. They may clear up a mild infection but more serious infections will require prescription medicine.
Some of the over-the-counter antifungal products that can be purchased include clotrimazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole. You can apply the creams or lotions to the affected area and leave them on for a few hours. These products can be very effective in controlling the growth of yeast.
You can also use a special shampoo that contains selenium sulfide. This helps the fungus to clear up faster. You can also use a product that has zinc pyrithione. This soap is also very effective in reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
If you are pregnant, it is recommended that you speak to your doctor before taking any topical medication. You can also talk to your doctor about herbal treatments. However, these treatments should be approached carefully as they can interact with other medications.
You can also prevent the infection from recurring by using a special shampoo. You may need to use the shampoo on a regular basis to keep the rash at bay. It is important to make sure you use sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. You should also try to avoid excessive sweating.
There are also a number of home remedies you can try. These remedies can be helpful in some cases, but you should discuss them with your doctor.
Causes
Among the many conditions that affect the skin, tinea versicolor is a fungal infection. It’s caused by the overgrowth of a specific type of yeast on the skin. It causes small patches of skin that are light and dry, or scaly. It may also cause itching.
The fungus that causes this condition thrives in warm, moist, and oily environments. It’s most common in people who live in hot, humid climates. It is not contagious, so it can’t be spread from person to person. However, if the infection becomes severe, you may need to see a doctor for medical treatment.
In mild cases, the fungus responds to over-the-counter antifungal lotions and soaps. In more severe infections, you may need to see a dermatologist. You can also take oral medications, such as clotrimazole (Stirgex), fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), or terbinafine (Ciclopirox).
In some cases, the condition might disappear on its own. But in other cases, it might recur. This is because the fungus continues to grow. It can take weeks or months for the discoloration to go away.
In addition to treating the symptoms, it’s also important to prevent the fungus from growing. It’s recommended that you apply sunscreen and avoid excessive sweating. You should also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing. It’s also important to talk to your doctor about herbal treatments. Some people have found that Indian lilac is an effective treatment for this infection. It can be used with an olive oil base.
A skin test can also be performed to determine if you have tinea versicolor. Your healthcare provider can scrape off a sample of your skin to look for yeast hyphae. These hyphae look like spaghetti. They are then examined under a microscope.
You can also use topical antifungals, which can be applied directly to the affected area. Some of these antifungals are in soap form, but others are available in shampoos. You should wash and dry the infected area before applying the medication. If the medication doesn’t work, you might need to consider stronger medication.
You can also try natural home remedies, which are based on natural ingredients. However, these remedies may be unsafe for certain individuals.
Treatment
Getting a Tinea Versicolor Treatment may seem like a challenge, but there are several options available to get rid of the infection. One treatment is to use an antifungal shampoo. These are applied to the skin and then rinsed off after a few minutes.
There are also antifungal pills. These are prescribed for a short time and will usually clear up the fungal infection. They are a good choice for people who have large areas of the body affected by the disease. However, they can have side effects, so consult with your doctor before using them.
Another treatment option is to use a dandruff shampoo, which is a special type of shampoo that contains selenium sulfide. This is applied to the affected area, then rinsed off the next day. The sulfide helps to prevent the recurrence of the disease.
A dermatologist may recommend a topical antifungal cream or lotion, which can be applied to the skin. These products are often found at drugstores.
Other treatments are oral medications. These include ketoconazole (Nizoral), fluconazole (Diflucan), and itraconazole (Sporanox). These oral medications work by controlling the growth of yeast.
In addition to these treatments, you can also try a home remedy. Many of these are mild antibiotics, which can be helpful. Other common home remedies for Tinea Versicolor include apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, garlic, and aloe vera. While these treatments may help, they are not proven to be effective.
In some cases, your doctor will prescribe a stronger medication. If your symptoms continue to recur, or if you have extensive involvement with the disease, your doctor may suggest a prescription medicine.
You can find over-the-counter medications, such as clotrimazole, at your local drugstore. They come in small tubes. If you have larger areas of the body affected by the rash, you can also consider sprays of clotrimazole.
Despite these treatment options, the severity of your symptoms will affect the amount of time it takes for the Tinea Versicolor to go away. While your skin will look better, it could take up to a few months to get rid of the rash.
Preventing tinea versicolor
Whether you are prone to tinea versicolor or you just want to prevent it from happening, there are a number of things you can do. One of these is to avoid certain environmental factors that may increase the risk of it happening. In addition, you can keep your skin dry and cool.
There are also a number of topical treatments you can use to prevent the growth of fungi. These include antifungal lotions, soaps, and shampoos. You should use these products regularly and use them as directed. If you have more serious cases, you may need to take prescription antifungals.
Keeping your skin cool and dry is another way to prevent tinea versicolor from coming back. Wearing loose, natural fibers is also a good idea. It’s important to stay away from the sun if you have tinea versicolor.
A number of Ayurvedic herbs are used to treat fungus-related skin problems, including tinea versicolor. For this reason, it is a good idea to see an Ayurvedic doctor before beginning any herbal treatment.
When you get a tinea infection, you can develop thick, crusty patches on your skin. This can be uncomfortable, and can even lead to permanent scarring. However, with treatment, your patches should go away and your skin tone should even out.
You can use essential oils as a home remedy for tinea versicolor. These oils have powerful anti-fungal properties, and you should dilute them with a base oil such as coconut oil. You can apply them directly to the affected area, or you can mix them with a base oil.
Besides these products, you can prevent tinea versicolor from happening by following certain lifestyle and dietary recommendations. These recommendations can help reduce your risk of developing it, and will also strengthen your immune system. You should eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid over-exertion. Stress can weaken your immune system, which can make you more susceptible to fungus infections.
In addition, you can prevent tinea versicolor by avoiding certain types of personal care products that contain harsh ingredients that strip the skin of its natural oils. Instead, use mild, natural products designed for sensitive skin.
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