Tinea versicolor – Symptoms and causes
Publisher/Author
: Pacific Cross
Nội dung bài viết / Table of Contents
This post is also available in: Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
Tinea versicolor is a condition occurs when you get the fungus Malassezia, a type of yeast found on the surface of the skin. Generally, it is a fungus that normally lives on your skin and doesn’t cause any health problems.
In fact, many of the microbiota (or microscopic organisms), including yeasts like Malassezia, play a role in protecting you from infections and other pathogens that can cause harm or disease.
They live alongside your body’s cells in symbiotic relationships, with skin cells and tiny organisms supporting and benefiting each other.
Sometimes, however, this yeast can grow out of control and affect the natural color or pigmentation of your skin. When this happens, you may develop patches of skin that are lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. This condition, which isn’t contagious, is known as tinea versicolor, or pityriasis versicolor.
The condition occurs when a type of yeast from the Malassezia family causes an infection or suppresses your immune system.
Tinea versicolor can occur in people from all ethnic backgrounds, and it’s more common in adolescents and young adults. Adults are more likely to develop tinea versicolor if they visit an area with a subtropical climate.
However, it can be managed by reducing your risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for further information.
One of the most noticeable signs and symptoms of tinea versicolor is discolored patches of skin, and these patches usually appear on the arms, chest, neck, or back. These patches may be:
Tinea versicolor that develops in people with dark skin may result in the loss of skin color, known as hypopigmentation. For some people, the skin may darken instead of lighten. This condition is known as hyperpigmentation.
Some individuals who develop tinea versicolor don’t have any significant changes in their skin color or appearance.
You should contact your doctor if you have any of the following:
The cause of tinea versicolor is when Malassezia grows rapidly and uncontrollably on the surface of the skin. However, doctors aren’t still sure why this occurs. Several factors may boost the growth of this yeast on the skin, including:
There are many risk factors for health condition, such as:
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. ALWAYS consult with your doctor for more information.
If your doctor suspects that you may experience this condition, a physical examination will be performed. And there are some additional procedure can enable your doctor to detect tinea versicolor:
Depending on the severity of your condition, the doctor will determine the eligible treatment options.
In some mild cases, you may choose to treat your condition at home. OTC antifungal creams or shampoos may be effective for killing the infection.
If you seek medical attention for tinea versicolor, your doctor may prescribe different medications, such as topical creams that can be applied directly to the skin. Your doctor may also prescribe pills to treat tinea versicolor.
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What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help me manage tinea versicolor?
The following lifestyles and home remedies might help you cope with tinea versicolor:
If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to better understand the best solution for you.
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