What Is Tinea Versicolor?
The skin is the body’s largest organ and is the first line of protection against foreign organisms. However, when an infection breaches this bridge of protection, it can lead to infection. Tinea versicolor, also known as pityriasis versicolor, is a common yeast that is a condition of the skin that can result in a pesky infection with symptoms that may include discoloration of the skin resulting in pigment changes of lighter and/or darker skin, as well as noticeable patches or spots. Commonly, this discoloration occurs in areas above the waistline, such as the back, neck, chest, and upper arms. Other symptoms include itching and scaling. Your dermatologist may tell you that you have a fungal infection, as yeast is a type of fungus. The skilled board-certified dermatologists of Snyder Dermatology treat this common skin infection and help patients in Austin and West Lake Hills, TX.
What Causes Tinea Versicolor?
The cause of tinea versicolor varies but may be produced by oily skin, hormonal changes, high sweat production, humid weather, or a weak immune system. Tinea versicolor normally clears with treatment but may reoccur. If the condition returns, patients generally repeat a similar treatment. With this particular fungus, prevention is key. Practical tips to prevent reoccurrence include discontinuation of oily skin products, using non-oily sunscreen to protect the skin, not sunbathing or going to a tanning salon, and wearing loose clothing. For those who live in humid environments or who sweat a lot, showering and staying dry is very helpful to keep the fungus at bay.
Symptoms of Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor is characterized by the appearance of discolored patches on the skin. These patches can be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin and may range in color from white, pink, and red to brown. They commonly occur on the torso, neck, and upper arms. The affected areas might be mildly itchy or have a slight scaling, and they often become more noticeable after sun exposure because the surrounding skin tans while the patches remain unchanged. Our board-certified dermatologists can easily diagnose tinea versicolor by doing a close-up eye examination and looking at it. If there’s any doubt, we may gently scrape the skin, take the skin scrapings, and look at the infection area under a microscope. Once a diagnosis has been made, treatment can be discussed.
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Have questions or want to schedule an appointment? Contact us today to speak with a member of the Snyder Dermatology team. We’re here to address your concerns with compassionate and effective care.
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“Dr. Rene Snyder is saving me from skin cancer. Over the years she has found numerous precancer spots on me, each time treating them with great care and minimal discomfort. And she offers a wide range of cosmetic treatments so I can age gracefully. I’m a lifelong fan.”
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Dr. Renee is great. She was very informative and addressed all my concerns with straightforward info and solutions all while respecting my conservative attitude about cosmetic procedures. I was very pleased with my visit and my end result!
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I love Dr. Mary, Parker! She’s always on time or early, extremely friendly, and she put me at ease with her sense of humor and kindness. Visiting her is like hanging out with a friend and she takes really great care of me. She’s fast and efficient and very competent and caring. I highly recommend her!
-Amy A.
Board-Certified Dermatologists
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Snyder Dermatology is the premier practice for medical and cosmetic dermatology in Austin, TX. Centrally located, our dynamic team of board certified dermatologists focus on providing patients with the most advanced medical care and treatment options. Our practice is distinguished by our compassion, our desire to fully understand our patients’ needs, and our commitment to being good stewards in the communities where we live and work.
How to Treat Tinea Versicolor
Treatment of tinea versicolor may vary from topical ointments or creams to oral medication, depending on the severity of the outbreak. Washing the skin thoroughly with a gentle cleanser and keeping the skin dry is the first step for treatment. Our dermatologists will most likely prescribe a topical medication (cream, gel, or shampoo), such as:
- Ciclopirox
- Ketoconazole
- Selenium Sulfide
- Terbinafine
In addition, many of our patients have success with oral medications as well, including:
- Itraconazole
- Fluconazole
It’s also common to use both topical and oral medications, especially when the outbreak is widespread. It’s important to understand that even though the fungus is treated and eliminated, it could take weeks or longer for the skin to appear normal. The discoloration and scaling will eventually return to normal.
Schedule a Consultation
If you notice discolored patches or white or dark spots on your skin, it is important to have it assessed by a dermatologist. Fungal infections such as tinea versicolor generally do not go away on their own but can be effectively treated with medications and topical medications.