WHAT IS TINEA VERSICOLOR (FUNGAL INFECTION OF SKIN)?

Tinea versicolor is also known as Pityriasis Versicolor. It is a fungal infection of the skin commonly seen in teenagers and adults but can be seen at any age. The fungus lives on the skin and when it grows out of control, it causes discoloration of the skin producing patches lighter or darker in color than the surrounding skin.

The infection is non-contagious and does not spread from one person to another.

WHAT ARE RISK FACTORS FOR TINEA VERSICOLOR?

• EXCESSIVE SWEATING: if you have more sweating then there are chances of having a fungal infection as the yeast gets a suitable environment to grow.

• OILY SKIN: oily skin also increases the chances of fungal growth.

• HOT CLIMATE: this also gives the fungus a favorable environment for growth.

• WEAK IMMUNITY: if your immunity is weak then the chances of growth of fungus also increase.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF TINEA VERSICOLOR?

• The appearance of patches that have a different color than the surrounding skin.
• Itching is generally very mild.
• Scaling can be seen sometimes.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF TINEA VERSICOLOR?

The fungus is seen normally on the skin as it lives on healthy skin. It grows only when it is triggered by factors like humidity, hot weather, oily skin, excessive sweating, weak immune system, etc.

DIAGNOSIS OF TINEA VERSICOLOR

The appearance of the fungal growth is very typical and by only looking at the patches the doctor can diagnose it. In doubtful situations, skin scrapings can be taken from the patches.

TREATMENT OF TINEA VERSICOLOR

Treatment conventionally includes antifungal medications.

MANAGEMENT OF TINEA VERSICOLOR

Management of the fungal infection includes:

• You should not wear tight clothing rather wear loose airy clothes.
• Wear cotton fabric and not synthetic.
• Avoid excessive sweating.
• Maintain hygiene.
• If you have oily skin, keep it clean.
• Avoid oily skin products.
• Use sunscreen and apply sunscreen whenever you go out in sun.
• Take bath every day.
• Don’t use harsh soaps and chemical products.
• Homeopathic medicines are very good at taking care of the infection.

HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT OF TINEA VERSICOLOR

Homeopathic medicines are very good for taking care of fungal infections. Medicines like sulphur, tuberculinum, calcarea carb, etc are very good medicines but should be given after studying the constitution of the patient.

DO’S & DON’TS

DO’S

• Maintain hygiene.
• Bath daily.
• Wear cotton clothes.
• Wear loose clothes.
• Keep skin clean.
• Apply sunscreen if you are going out.

DON’TS

• Avoid excessive sweating.
• Don’t wear synthetic clothes.
• Don’t wear tight clothes.
• Don’t use harsh soaps.
• Don’t over-expose yourself to the sun.