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What is tinea versicolor?
Tinea Versicolor is a fungal infection of the skin in which small, oval, white, reddish brown or tan patches are spread over the upper trunk, abdomen, arms and legs. Most patients complain of cosmetically disturbing, abnormal pigmentation and failure to tan in the summer leading to a spotted appearance. Occasionally, mild itching is also noted. The infection is not contagious but the organism is present on the skin of almost everyone, and about 20% of the population is genetically susceptible to the infection. The organism thrives in warm, moist conditions and in the presence of skin oils, therefore, young adults are more commonly affected.
How is Tinea Versicolor treated?
Treatment is aimed at eradicating the yeast organism with topical prescription selenium sulfide lotion or prescription oral antifungal drugs such as Ketoconazole. After the yeast is eradicated, the former infected sites remain lighter than normal skin for 1-2 months until the pigment production returns.
Recurrence of the infection is common, so periodic retreatment with either selenium sulfide lotion or oral prophylaxis may be recommended.
In a subgroup of patients who are immunosuppressed, the infection can occur in the armpits or on the face. Treatment is identical but recurrences are more common.
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