Introduction to My Tinea Versicolor Story
I was diagnosed with tinea versicolor also known as: pityriasis versicolor, several years ago. I had tan like spots that suddenly appeared on my chest area, back behind my knees, neck, and around my arm pits. At first I went to a general practitioner who suggested that it was probably a reaction to some sort of perfume in laundry soap. The doctor told me to use calamine lotion and it should clear up. I did that and it didn’t show any progress so I went to a dermatologist where I was diagnosed with tinea versicolor.
What is Tinea Versicolor (Pityriasis Versicolor)?
Tinea Versicolor (pityriasis versicolor) is skin infection that is caused by yeast. Everyone has yeast on his or her skin; however, tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor) is caused by an overgrowth of yeast. According to Wikipedia.com, It is estimated that 2 to 8% of the population of the United States has Tinea Versicolor (Pityriasis Versicolor). This skin condition is more of a nuisance and doesn’t pose any health threats. Tinea versicolor normally doesn’t affect the face of someone with this condition; however, it does usually affect the arms, legs, chest, and back. Spots from this skin infection either produce spots that are lighter or darker than the normal surrounding skin. This condition is usually more noticeable during humid weather and immune or hormone changes. Because everyone has this yeast the condition of tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor) is not contagious as one might think. This skin infection does not leave any permanent damage to the skin after the condition goes away but this condition may return in the future.
Is Tinea Versicolor (Pityriasis Versicolor) Treatable and what are the Treatments?
There are many antifungal agents available for tinea versicolor treatment (pityriasis versicolor treatment). Women’s yeast infection treatments that are available in drug stores have been used successfully for tinea versicolor treatment (pityriasis versicolor treatment). The yeast infection treatment in women’s over the counter management is applied to the spots and surrounding area for up to two weeks. The cheapest alternative is selenium sulfide shampoo 1% (Selsun Blue) for tinea versicolor treatment (pityriasis versicolor treatment). The Selsun Blue shampoo is applied to the spots and surrounding area before bedtime and washed off in the morning. This option usually works for most after doing this treatment for two weeks. Selsun Blue can be irritating to some people that have skin sensitivities so it would be advised to stop tinea versicolor treatment (pityriasis versicolor treatment) if one notices any skin sensitivities.
If tinea versicolor treatment (pityriasis versicolor treatment) has failed with over the counter options then a prescription can be obtained from a doctor. A doctor may prescribe a stronger Selsun Blue, prescription cream or pills to fend off the condition. Tinea versicolor treatment (pityriasis versicolor treatment) is usually very successful; however, it may take months before results can be seen.
Conclusion My Tinea Versicolor (Pityriasis Versicolor)
I have found Selsun Blue for tinea versicolor treatment (pityriasis versicolor treatment) to be the best option. I would suggest putting it on before night time and washing it off in the mornings. It may also be helpful for tinea versicolor treatment (pityriasis versicolor treatment) to apply the Selsun Blue shampoo while lounging around the house. Just make sure you wear long pants and a shirt because it could make a mess. I also found it helpful to buy a skin exfoliator to help speed up tinea versicolor treatment (pityriasis versicolor treatment). Using a skin exfoliator 3 times a week helped to show a speedy recovery for me. I have found that a tinea versicolor treatment (pityriasis versicolor treatment) such as not wearing the same clothes twice, washing towels and bed sheets in hot water, and thoroughly drying after showing was also very helpful. This skin condition is said to feed off of dead skin so it only makes sense to take extra steps in cleanliness. As a result of the above steps that I have taken I have yet to have any problems from tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor).
