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Tinea Versicolor Menu:

1. What is Tinea Versicolor?
2. What Causes Tinea Versicolor?
3. Symptoms of Tinea Versicolor.
4. Who Can Get Tinea Versicolor?
5. Tinea Versicolor Risk Factors.
6. How is Tinea Versicolor Diagnosed?
7. How is Tinea Versicolor Treated?
8. Doctor Recommended Medical Prescriptions for Tinea Versicolor.
9. What Happens After Tinea Versicolor Has Been Treated?
10. Why Does Tinea Versicolor often comes back?
11. Safe & Natural, Home Remedies / Treatments for Tinea Versicolor.
12. What Other Conditions Resemble Tinea Versicolor?
13. Reviews, Experiences & Testimonials of Different Treatments.
14. Leave Your Comment, Question and/or Experience

 

What is Tinea Versicolor?

Tinea Versicolor (often abbreviated as TV) (say "TIH-nee-uh VER-sih-kuh-ler") or Pityriasis Versicolor is known as a fungal infection or mild yeast infection of the skin, which causes a skin rash of oval and scaly spots. The patches often combine to form larger patches of various colors (hence its name) — white, tan, brown, red and/or pink.

Spots commonly appear on the torso, back, and the upper chest. Occasionally it can appear on the face, neck, under and upper arms and lower legs. Tinea Versicolor may be darker than the rest of the skin in those with light skin or lighter in those with dark skin.

What Causes Tinea Versicolor?

The exact conditions that cause initiation of the disease process are poorly understood by the medical establishment.

The skin supports its own ecosystems of microorganisms, including yeasts and bacteria. When either the host's immune system is compromised or the skin hygiene favors the development of pathogenic organisms, the slow growing yeast called Malassezia furfur or Pityrosporum orbiculare is able to overwhelm the skin's ecosystem to feed on the skin oils (lipids), sebaceous secretions, as well as dead skin cells. Resulting in the mild troublesome infection known as Tinea Versicolor.

Many people have a natural defense to Tinea Versicolor, even when exposed, while other's do not and are then infected with the fungi or yeast.

Based on the person's immune system and, more importantly, the balance of the skin's ecosystem will depend if he or she will contract the skin infection from direct contact of the Tinea Versicolor.

The infection process is somewhat similar to athlete's foot. How does the athlete's foot organism survive on floor surfaces like in public showers? Different kinds of organisms require different conditions to thrive.

The Tinea Versicolor infection can be acquired by sharing tanning booths, gym equipment, towels, bedding, and clothes that have been previously been infected by the host infected with the Tinea Versicolor.

Since the Tinea Versicolor organism is microscopic it requires little effort for the Tinea Versicolor to survive many days on different surfaces that support skin oils (lipids), sebaceous secretions, and dead skin cells for the Tinea Versicolor to feed on.

The swine flu (H1N1) is contagious but not everyone will contract it, not even family members of the same household of the infected person. Tinea Versicolor is not contagious like the flu but Tinea Versicolor does have the remarkable ability to spread from one person to another (e.g., one family member to another) or from a surface the Tinea Versicolor can thrive on due to the help of a host.

Symptoms of Tinea Versicolor

• Oval or irregularly shaped, scaly spots with diameter of 1/4 inch to 1 inch
• Pale, dark tan, or pink in color, with a reddish undertone and sharp border
• An odd assortment of flat, scaling multi-hued creamy and brown patches
• Edges of the dime-sized patches may coalesce, merging into larger patches
• Fine scaling
• Itching that gets worse with sweating
• Spots darken and are more noticeable when patient is over heated, (such as in a hot shower or during/after exercise), after sun tanning or on people with darker skin
• Spots may subside or disappear during the winter season and intensify or reappear when the weather becomes warm and humid
• In light-skinned people, the lesions can appear darker than the surrounding skin, while in dark-skinned people, the reverse is seen. These discolorations have led to the term "sun fungus"

Who can get Tinea Versicolor?

In the United States, it is estimated that 2% to 8% of the population has Tinea Versicolor. It can develop in people of all ages, races, and of either sex. However, Tinea Versicolor is most commonly found in adolescents and young adults. Factors known to trigger the yeast to change into its “disease-causing” form of Tinea Versicolor include:

• Oily skin
• Warm, humid climate
• Sweating frequent or excessively
• Being malnourished
• Using corticosteroids (cortisone)
• Taking medications that weaken the immune system
• Having an impaired immune system (which can occur during pregnancy or from some illnesses)
• Suppressed Immunity (HIV, cancer, diabetes, etc.)
• Cushing disease
• Genetics
• Certain antibiotics or birth control pills
• Families living in the same household, mainly sharing bathing towels and bedding
• Tanning booths and public gym equipment

Remember, the vast majority of people who develop Tinea Versicolor are perfectly healthy.

Tinea Versicolor Risk Factors

Tinea Versicolor causes no permanent damage to the skin and has no serious complications. The only real effect of the infection is the "cosmetic" concern (unless you're the one suffering from it in which case its a disaster).

If ignored the yeast can stimulate melanosomes (packages of the skin pigment melanin) to become larger. Once sunlight hits the area, pigment darkens the affected portions of the skin. Imagine each spot tanning and becoming more noticeable after being exposed to the sun. It becomes a nuisance to find a healthy solution to properly rid yourself of this infection before it gets out of control and the possibility of spreading it to your family members arises.

How is Tinea Versicolor Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually quite obvious to the trained eye of the dermatologist. However, when in doubt, a microscopic test called a KOH is performed. This consists of the doctor painlessly performing a light skin scraping with a small blade and in rare cases, a skin culture or biopsy. The scales are placed onto a glass slide, a droplet of liquid (potassium hydroxide) is placed onto the slide and then it is examined under the microscope. A positive test shows what we fondly call the "spaghetti and meatballs" sign under the microscope. Hyphae and spores from the yeast are both present and provide that creative appearance.

How is Tinea Versicolor Treated?

The infection is treated with skin creams, shampoos, solutions, or antifungal pills. But not everyone chooses the medical treatment method. Generally the creams can:

• Be inconvenient and messy
• May sting and smell bad
• May be just as expensive as pills
• Can take a long time to apply, especially if the rash covers a large area of your body

The reality is that while the rash may clear, medications don't prevent the inevitable recurrences. Naturally if you attack fungus with drugs, you will also attack the human cells the fungus lives on. If the infection is severe and it covers a large area of your body, returns often, or does not get better with skin care, your doctor may want to prescribe antifungal pills. Antifungal pills cannot be taken by some people, especially those with liver or heart problems. It is important to remember that you have alternative options to costly prescriptions and that you review which treatment is right for you.

Doctor Recommended Medical Prescriptions for Tinea Versicolor.

There are several medications that doctors would gladly prescribe to treat the skin infection of Tinea Versicolor:

• Ketoconazole (Nizoral),
• Fluconazole (Diflucan),
• Terbinafine (Lamisil),
• Ciclopirox (Ciclopirox olamine),
• Clotrimazole,
• Miconazole,
• Lotrimin,
• Spectazole (Econazole Nitrate),
• Mentax (),
• Oxistat (Oxiconazole Nitrate),
• Loprox,
• Naftin (Naftifine Hydrochloride),
• Itraconazole (Sporanox), and
• Nizoral 2% just to name a few.

Consequently, there are side effects to these drugs, some of these side-effects can be life-threatening. Some medications require treatment for up to 2 weeks.

Side effects of the above prescriptions include but are not limited to:

Nausea Vomiting Abdominal pain Fever Fatigue Loss of appetite Yellow skin (jaundice) Yellow eyes Itching Irritation of the skin Burning sensation Diarrhea Teratogenesis (disfiguring birth defects or malformations) QT interval prolongation (the heart's electrical cycle)

Severe or lethal hepatotoxicity (implies chemical-driven liver damage) Small but real risk of developing congestive heart failure (CHF) Temporary change or loss of taste Chills Persistent sore throat Bruising Bleeding Vision changes Allergic reactions may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing Blistering Hives Induce or exacerbate subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (a chronic autoimmune disease harming the heart, joints, skin, lungs, blood vessels, liver, kidneys and nervous system that can be fatal)

Keep in mind that Tinea Versicolor is easily treatable and preventable of future outbreaks in a safe and natural way without the risk of the above side effects. Is your health and well-being worth it? Most importantly, these medication don't address the issue of reoccurring symptoms that occur when the Tinea Versicolor has already spread to your clothing and bed linens, waiting to reinfect you when you least suspect it.

What Happens After Tinea Versicolor Has Been Treated?

Tinea Versicolor does not leave permanent skin discoloration; however, it may take up to several months for the color to even out between skin areas that are affected and not affected.

The red or brown variety of rash clears up visually right away. It is, therefore, a good idea to have the condition treated as soon as any new spots appear so that any discoloration lasts as short a time as possible.

After the treatment is complete, the excessive amounts of yeast are gone. However, the "rash" is still visible. The "rash" that people perceive is actually skin discoloration. This persistent discoloration often leads people to think that the fungi are still present long after they have been eradicated.

It may take months for skin color to blend and look normal, but it always does. Just like having a significant tan line, it takes time for the skin tone to even out. You may help this by avoiding getting the area exposed to sunlight. By preventing a suntan, you will help to cut down on the exaggeration of the uneven discoloration.

Sunscreen is important. You need to wear an SPF 30 daily to prevent the dark spots from getting any darker in the sun, even if the yeast is gone. Normalizing the variation in skin tone may take a few months. This is a great reason to follow through with your preventative maintenance treatment.

Why Does Tinea Versicolor often comes back?

Unfortunately, you can be easily re-exposed to the fungus of Tinea Versicolor without realizing it! Almost all information about Tinea Versicolor, either via the web or as prescribed by your Doctor, is focused solely on treating your skin condition either medically or holistically with pills, soaps, lotions and creams. After your condition has improved you're under the false impression that the Tinea Versicolor is finally eradicated; however, this is not your last step in battling Tinea Versicolor.

The number one reason why Tinea Versicolor becomes a chronic condition is because vigorous yeast (or fungi) is able to attach themselves to clothing, bedding, bathing towels, etc. for months at a time, patiently waiting to attach themselves upon you when you rest these fabrics on your delicate skin.

It's absolutely critical to wash all bedding, towels and clothing (e.g., women: especially your bras) to prevent recurrence. It is advised not to wear the same bra day after day (or shirt) prior to being washed. It is important to note that common household detergents, cleaners and hot water alone will not kill the yeast or fungus.

To prevent recurrence of Tinea Versicolor, it is important that treatment be aimed at eradicating the unsightly condition rather attempting to control the chronic condition which can plague you for many years.

Safe & Natural, Home Remedies / Treatments for Tinea Versicolor.

There are many approach's to home treatments of Tinea Versicolor. Although, like anything else, there are treatments that show better results than other's and some that work better in conjunction with another treatment. It is important to be positive about being able to take care of Tinea Versicolor and be proactive in your approach.

Below you will find the top 3 home treatments (listed as good, better, and best) that we have found to rid yourself of this troublesome infection.

[ GOOD ]

Selenium Sulfide Introduction

Pronounced [ se-LEE-nee-um SUL-fide ]. Treats dandruff, fungus infections of the skin (tinea versicolor), and seborrhea of the scalp.

In the United States, the 2.5% strength is available only with your doctor's prescription. The 1% strength is available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use of this medicine for your medical problem.

Brand Name(s)

Head & Shoulders Intensive Treatment, Selseb, Selsun, Selsun Blue, Exsel Lotion Shampoo, Glo-SelSelenos, Rite Aid Dandruff, Dandrex, Versel Lotion, etc.

Selenium Sulfide Treatment

If applicable, use this topical treatment exactly as your doctor prescribed.

The most common home treatment is to apply over-the-counter dandruff shampoo containing 1% selenium sulfide (e.g., Selsun Blue) on the affected areas for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing. This treatment should be done daily for 2-3 weeks, and once a week afterwards for preventative maintenance.

Other option: to be applied at night and washed off in the morning for a week.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.

Users of this method should see their tinea versicolor rash start to fade relative quickly, although it may take several weeks for the skin to return completely to normal.

Precautions & Warnings Using Selenium Sulfide

Apply a small amount in an inconspicuous area to check for any allergic or other negative reactions.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using selenium sulfide. The medicine may be absorbed into your body and may affect your baby.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water.

Do not use selenium sulfide topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or broken skin.

Do not cover treated skin with a bandage or other dressing unless your doctor has told you to. A light cotton-gauze bandage may be used to protect clothing. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton and other natural fibers until your infection is healed.

Possible Side Effects While Using Selenium Sulfide

Oily or dry hair or scalp

Skin irritation

Change in hair color

Hair loss

Stop using selenium sulfide and immediately call your doctor if you have unusual or severe blistering, itching, redness, peeling, dryness, irritation of the skin or any other negative side-effects.

Cons of Applying Selenium Sulfide

This treatment can be irritating

May lead to missing hard-to-reach spots on the mid-back

Can be expensive when you need to apply the selenium sulfide to a large area or constant application due to flare-ups.

Selenium sulfide treatment may also temporarily stain your skin.

Where to Buy

» Well.CA Online Drugstore    » Amazon.com    » DrugStore.com

Retail Outlets: local pharmacy, Target, Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, Rite Aid, etc.

price: $6.00-$20.00/bottle

[ BETTER ]

Consistent use of the below products has shown in our tests to be an effective Tinea Versicolor treatment. We've found the soap to be an simpler solution compared to the Lamasil cream.

DermaDoctor -- ZNP Bar

Contains the active ingredient 2% Zinc Pyrithione, which can be used for both acute and for chronic Tinea Versicolor conditions.
price: $8.75/bar

DermaDoctor -- AntiFungal Cream

Contains the active ingredient Miconazole Nitrate 2% which resolves and prevents symptoms of fungi, while providing unparalleled hydration, potent rejuvenating antioxidant protection and much-needed soothing relief.
price: $34.00

• Dermatologist Tested & Approved
• Allergy Tested
• Non-Irritating
• Fragrance Free
• Dye-Free
• Non-Comedogenic (i.e., does not block pores)
• Not Tested On Animals

[ BEST ]

Our tests have shown this to be the most effective and least expensive Tinea Versicolor treatment on the market today. The Tinea Versicolor treatment prevents the Tinea Versicolor skin infection from coming back which typically leads to a chronic condition lasting years of embarrassment. Plus the simple treatment kills the tinea versicolor in just a few days rather than weeks or months like other treatments and it costs less than a dollar to make your own remedy.

Tinea-Versicolor.com

The site has a simple to follow Tinea Versicolor Treatment e-book which is very easy to follow, providing a simple but safe Tinea Versicolor treatment to finally rid your body from this Tinea Versicolor skin infection forever. Incredibly, it only takes 3 household ingredients and most people typically have two of the ingredients already at home. The other ingredient can be easily found at either your local grocery store or retail outlet.

What Other Conditions Resemble Tinea Versicolor?

Conditions that look like Tinea Versicolor but are really quite different include:

Pityriasis alba: A mild form of eczema seen in children that produces mild, patchy lightening of the face, shoulders, or torso.

Vitiligo: This condition results in a permanent loss of pigment. Vitiligo is likely to affect the skin around the eyes and lips, or the knuckles and joints. Spots are porcelain-white and, unlike those of tinea versicolor, are permanent.

 

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