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This condition results in a permanent loss of pigment. Vitiligo is more 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. If you are worried about a skin condition visit your doctor immediately.

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If the involved skin is scraped and skin cells removed and observed under a microscope, the fungal elements may be seen. These tests can be done to make the diagnosis but also to confirm resolution of the fungal overgrowth.

Treating Pityriasis Versicolor Mild pityriasis versicolor is treated with antifungal shampoos such as ketoconazole or selenium sulphide.

These should be used to bathe in the same way one would use a shower gel. Anti-fungal creams can also be applied to the skin lesions and used until the rash clears.

If the condition is extensive, your doctor may also opt for oral antifungals. This will help to clear the skin more quickly and keep the condition under control. When pityriasis versicolor presents with dark, scaly patches, they completely clear on resolution of the fungal overgrowth. Occasionally however, white patches persist long after the scaling and yeasts have cleared.

Avoiding Recurrences Pityriasis versicolor generally clears satisfactorily with treatment but often recurs when conditions are right for malassezia to proliferate such as when in hot climates. When it recurs, antifungal treatment should be repeated. In those who have frequent recurrences, antifungal shampoo may not only be prescribed to treat the skin lesions but may also be used throughout the year, even when the skin is clear, to reduce the number of recurrences.

This fungus occurs naturally on the skin and can multiply in a yeast-like fashion, leading to tinea versicolor. A person is likely to notice tinea versicolor only when spots start to appear on the skin. These spots may be lighter or darker than the surrounding the skin, and are often more noticeable when the surrounding skin is tan. Symptoms may disappear or become reduced in cooler weather and may return when the weather becomes hot and humid.

In tinea versicolor, a fungus that lives on healthy skin grows too quickly and causes the discolored patches of skin. This overgrowth can be triggered by a combination of environmental and biological factors. These factors include the following:. Teenagers often experience hormonal fluctuations, so teens may be more at risk of developing tinea versicolor. However, this infection can happen to people of all ages, ethnicities, and genders. Tinea versicolor is not dangerous.

However, anyone who develops a persistent skin rash should check with a doctor to rule out other more serious conditions. Diagnosing tinea versicolor is often very straightforward. A doctor can diagnose it simply by looking at it.

It is this greenish color that confirms the infection. A patient with diagnosed tinea versicolor should also check with a doctor if any of the following occur:. Many treatment options are available for tinea versicolor. What a doctor uses to treat tinea versicolor depends on factors such as climate, area infected, thickness of the infection, and where on the body the infection appears.

It is important for people to follow all instructions on how to use the medicine. Failure to use the full amount or inconsistency in the usage may cause the infection to grow back quickly. Tinea versicolor can be prevented and managed with some simple home remedies and lifestyle changes. Keeping the skin clean and oil-free is the most important thing that can be done to keep a tinea versicolor infection from occurring. Over-the-counter lotions and creams can help both prevent and treat mild flare-ups.