Tinea versicolor
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Tinea versicolor or pityriasis versicolor is a common skin infection caused by the yeast Malassezia furfur or Pityrosporum orbiculare. This yeast is normally found on the human skin and only become troublesome under certain circumstances, such as warm and humid environment.
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Symptoms
The symptoms of this condition include:
- Oval spots with 1/4 to 1 inch in diameter, often merging together to form a larger patch
- Scales
- Pale or dark tan in color, with a reddish undertone.
- Sharp border
- Itching that can worsen with sweating
These spots commonly affect the back, underarm, upper arm, chest, and neck. Occassionally, it can also be present on the face.
In people with dark skin tones, pigmentary changes such as hypopigmentation (loss of color) and hyperpigmentation (increase in skin color) are common.
Prevalence
Tinea versicolor is a common condition. It is estimated that 2 to 8% of the population of the United States has it. This skin disease is commonly affect adolescents and young adults, especially in warm and humid climates.
Treatment
Treatments for tinea versicolor include:
- Prescription topical antifungal medications that contain 2.5% selenium sulfide and 2% ketoconazole
- Oral antifungal medications
- Self treatment with over-the-counter shampoo containing 1% selenium sulfide
External link
- NIH guide to Tinea versicolor (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001465.htm)
- Health in Plain English - Tinea versicolor (http://www.healthinplainenglish.com/health/skin/tinea_versicolor/index.htm) (with pictures)
- eMedicine - Tinea Versicolor (http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic423.htm)nl:pityriasis versicolor