Q: I have had tinea versicolor for the last 20 plus years. I first got it when I was in Panama in the Army. I have been treated several times but it always returns. I have been reading about some home remedies (tineaversicolor.com) and wonder if they really work or are just snake oil. I would love to have your thought on it before I try it.
A: Tinea versicolor is a rather common fungal infection of the skin that occurs most frequently in teens and young adults. The fungus itself interferes with the normal pigmentation of the skin, causing small discolored patches that appear more pronounced with exposure to sunshine. The areas may vary in color from white to dark brown, may itch and be slow-growing. Those commonly affected include teens and young adults, essentially because they are more likely to have oily skin, as well as individuals that live in tropical or sub-tropical climates. The condition is not contagious, so you cannot give it nor can you get it from another person.
Initial signs and symptoms include spots different from a person’s normal skin color. They may be lighter, darker, pink, brown, or red. The “lesions” can be dry and scaly and can appear anywhere on the body. They may disappear in cooler weather and exacerbate when in warmer, more moist environments, making tinea versicolor more prominent as the patient gets a suntan.
Diagnosis is made through visual examination, a scraping from one of the lesions that can be examined under a microscope, or by utilizing a Wood’s lamp that, when held about five inches from affected skin areas will reveal yellow/green lesions.
Treatment depends on how much of a person’s body is affected. Anti-fungal creams, lotions, soaps and shampoos that contain selenium sulfide, pyrithiodine zinc and ketoconazole may be prescribed to keep the yeast under control and hopefully kill the fungus. When a fairly large portion of the body is affected, anti-fungal pills may be prescribed. Because of the unwanted side effects associated with them, they are commonly taken short-term only. Depending on the environment in which the individual resides and because tinea versicolor prefers warm, humid weather, medicated cleansers used once or twice each month may prevent the yeast from growing out of control. While anecdotal, over-the-counter selenium sulfide dandruff shampoos applied to the skin for 10 minutes each day while showering has met with some success.
The condition, while essentially harmless, is bothersome because of its appearance. The yeast is easy to kill; however, the skin may remain discolored for extended periods of time. The affected skin will return to its original color but the condition can return. Precautions to protect skin when exposed to the sun should be taken. Sunscreens that promote UVA and UVB protection should be applied 20 minutes before going out of doors. Generally speaking, an SPF of 30 or greater should do the trick. When conditions are mild, a person may be able to self-treat; however, if there is no improvement after three or four weeks, a dermatologist should be consulted.
I did go on the internet to tineaversicolor.com and was greeted by such statements as “get instant results with this simple solution for only $27.00”, “the only complete and final tinea versicolor solution that is totally safe and effective for you and your family”, “…so simple a 7-year-old can do it”, “the three ingredients are easy to find”, “notice a dramatic difference in your skin within a few days” and “…treatment ebook is backed by a 60-day money back guarantee and, upon receipt of payment, you’ll be able to download the…treatment ebook within seconds”. In my opinion, if it were that simple, dermatologists nationwide would tell you the three ingredients and the condition would be obliterated. I’m a skeptic but my guess is you will fare better following the advice of your health care professional.