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How To Treat and Manage Tinea Versicolor (Pityriasis Versicolor)


Published on 2025-03-23 10:23:43 - Health
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  • Medically reviewed by William Truswell, MD Tinea versicolor is a common skin infection caused by a fungus called Malassezia. Many people have this fungus naturally growing on their skin, but an overgrowth may cause small,

Tinea versicolor, also known as pityriasis versicolor, is a common fungal infection of the skin caused by an overgrowth of yeast that naturally lives on the skin's surface. This condition leads to discolored patches that can be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin, typically appearing on the trunk, neck, and upper arms. Treatment involves antifungal medications, which can be applied topically or taken orally. Topical treatments include creams, lotions, or shampoos containing ingredients like selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, or pyrithione zinc, which should be applied to the affected areas and sometimes to unaffected areas to prevent recurrence. Oral antifungals like fluconazole or itraconazole might be prescribed for more severe or widespread cases. Management also includes maintaining good skin hygiene, avoiding excessive heat and sweating, and using antifungal shampoos regularly to control the yeast. It's important to continue treatment even after the patches disappear to ensure the yeast is fully eradicated, and to understand that skin color might take months to return to normal due to the yeast's effect on melanin production.

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[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/diseases-and-conditions/how-to-treat-and-manage-tinea-versicolor-pityriasis-versicolor/ar-AA1Busne ]