What Is Tinea Versicolor?
There is a fungus called Malassezia that lives on the surface of your skin. Although it usually doesn’t cause any health problems, this fungus can sometimes grow out of control and cause changes in the natural color of your skin. As a result, you may develop patches that are lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. This condition is referred to as tinea versicolor. Another term used for this condition is pityriasis versicolor. One of the main signs of the onset of this condition is a discolored patch or patches that surface on your skin. These patches occur in various forms. The following section lists the symptoms of tinea versicolor.
Signs And Symptoms Of Tinea Versicolor
The most prominent symptom of tinea versicolor are discolored skin patches that can occur on your arms, chest, neck, or even back. These patches might be:
Discolored as compared to the surrounding skin Red, brown, pink or slightly tanned Itchy, scaly, and dry More evident with tanning Disappear in cooler and less humid weather
The exact cause of this uncontrolled growth of Malassezia fungus is not yet established. However, some factors are known to promote the growth of this fungus and increase the risk of infection.
Causes And Risk Factors For Tinea Versicolor
Factors that can promote the growth of Malassezia fungus are:
Hot and/or humid climate Sweating a lot Oily skin Weak immunity Hormonal changes
Some factors can increase your risk of developing this skin condition. They include:
A family history of tinea versicolor Living in a subtropical climate Taking medications that may weaken your immune system Cancer Taking medications that may disrupt your hormonal balance
One of the easiest ways to find out if you have developed tinea versicolor is to observe yourself physically and look for discolored patches. Your doctor may also conduct the following tests to check for the onset of tinea versicolor.
How Is Tinea Versicolor Diagnosed?
Tinea versicolor can usually be diagnosed by looking at your skin. However, if such a diagnosis is not possible, your doctor may ask to take the following tests:
A skin scraping test that involves scraping the affected skin and observing it under a microscope for the fungus. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopy, which involves observing scraped skin with a KOH solution under a microscope. Biopsy, which requires the outer layer of your skin to be tested. Wood’s lamp test, which involves the use of a special machine called Wood’s lamp that uses ultraviolet rays to check for the presence of fungus on your skin.
If the presence of the fungus is confirmed, you can begin with the treatment almost immediately. The treatment for this condition can also be initiated right at home with the help of some basic home remedies that are listed below.
How To Get Rid Of Tinea Versicolor Naturally
Home Remedies To Treat Tinea Versicolor
1. Essential Oils
a. Tea Tree Oil
7 drops of tea tree oil 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
You must do this 2 to 3 times daily. Tinea versicolor might result in itchy and discolored skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil can help in relieving the itching, while its antifungal activities eliminate the fungus causing this condition (1).
b. Eucalyptus Oil
6-7 drops of eucalyptus oil 1 teaspoon of any carrier oil (coconut oil, jojoba oil, etc.)
Do this multiple times daily. Eucalyptus oil contains a compound called eugenol, which is popular for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions. It helps relieve the symptoms of tinea versicolor and can also be used to fight the Malassezia fungus (2).
c. Patchouli Oil
8 drops of patchouli oil 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
You must do this thrice daily. Patchouli oil helps soothe inflamed and itchy skin. It is also a great remedy to fight fungal infections, thanks to its antifungal properties – which also help treat tinea versicolor (3), (4).
2. Baking Soda
1-2 teaspoons of baking soda Water (as required)
You must do this on a daily basis. Fungi cannot survive in an alkaline environment. The pH of your skin is usually acidic. Baking soda makes it alkaline and soothes itching (5).
3. Garlic
Minced garlic Do this twice daily. Garlic is a rich source of a compound called allicin. This organosulfur compound is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities that can be used to treat tinea versicolor and its symptoms (6).
4. Vitamins
Vitamins A, D, and E can help treat tinea versicolor. They regulate your melanin production and promote faster recovery (7), (8). These vitamins are also great antioxidants and exhibit healing properties. These vitamins are available in spinach, turnips, kale, eggs, milk, fish, and broccoli. You can also take additional supplements if you are deficient in these vitamins, but only after consulting a doctor.
5. Yogurt
You Will Need
Plain yogurt (as required) Vitamin D: Oily fish, red meat, liver, fortified foods and juices, and egg yolks. Vitamin E: Nuts, seeds, wheat germ, and plant or vegetable oils.
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
You must do this 2 to 3 times daily.
Why This Works
Yogurt is rich in probiotics, which display antifungal activities. They can be used to treat the Malassezia fungus that causes tinea versicolor (9).
6. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil (as required) You must do this 2 to 3 times daily. The anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antifungal activities of coconut oil can aid the treatment of tinea versicolor. The presence of monolaurin makes coconut oil a wonderful remedy (10), (11).
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar 1 cup of water Cotton pads
Do this 2 to 3 times daily for effective results. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar exhibits remarkable anti-inflammatory properties, which (along with the antifungal properties) help relieve the inflammation and infection associated with tinea versicolor (12).
8. Aloe Vera
1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel You must do this multiple times daily until you notice a difference. Aloe vera’s healing nature can speed up your recovery. It also has powerful anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that can help you get rid of tinea versicolor (13), (14).
9. Castor Oil
Castor oil (as required) Apply castor oil multiple times on the affected area daily. The ricinoleic acid (ricinoleate) in castor oil exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities that help treat tinea versicolor (15), (16).
10. Epsom Salt
1 cup of Epsom salt Water
Do this once daily. Epsom salt contains magnesium, which helps reduce inflammation. The topical application of Epsom salt helps in treating the inflammatory symptoms of tinea versicolor (17).
11. Grapefruit Seed Extract
A few teaspoons of grapefruit seed extract Cotton pads
You must do this 2 to 3 times daily. Grapefruit seed extract is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antifungal remedy that can be used to combat the fungus that causes tinea versicolor (18).
12. Neem
A handful of neem leaves Water
You must do this 3 to 4 times daily. Neem is a popular herbal medicine. It helps reduce inflammation in your skin and fights fungal infections with its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties (19), (20). The topical application of this herb can work wonders in treating tinea versicolor.
13. Turmeric
2 teaspoons of turmeric powder Water (as required)
Do this thrice daily. The main constituent of turmeric is curcumin, which has antifungal as well as anti-inflammatory properties that amazingly work well against tinea versicolor (21), (22).
14. Candle Bush
Candle bush leaves Olive oil (as required)
You must do this 2 to 3 times daily. Candle bush leaves contain effective antifungal compounds. Which is why they can be effective against tinea versicolor, as per a study published in Ethnopharmacology in 1994 (23).
15. Honey
Organic honey (as required) Do this several times daily. Given the healing, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties of honey, it is no surprise that it can effectively treat tinea versicolor and its symptoms (24). Along with these remedies, it is also important to consider altering your diet for treating tinea versicolor and preventing its recurrence.
Diet Tips
If you are have tinea versicolor, you must pay extra attention to your regular diet. Following are two lists –foods that you must eat more of, and foods that are best avoided when you are suffering from tinea versicolor. Take a look.
Probiotic-rich yogurt Low-carb foods like broccoli, green beans, avocados, etc. Protein-rich foods like fish, meat, eggs, and poultry Garlic
Sugar Alcohol Vinegar Nuts Fruits
You must also make a few changes to your usual lifestyle to assist your recovery. This can be done by simply following these prevention tips.
Prevention Tips
Avoid hot and humid climates. Do not tan or expose yourself to the sun too much. Try and sweat minimally. Do not indulge in intense exercises. Take a bath twice a day. Don’t let sweat dry up on your skin. Wipe it with a handkerchief.
Even if you follow the prevention tips, the chances of recurrence of this condition are high. Hence, you must be at your attentive best and avoid all triggers.
How do you get rid of tinea versicolor overnight? Dr. Emmanuel (Michael) R. Loucas, MD, Board-Certified Dermatologist, says, “There is no way to clear it so quickly. The reason the rash presents as white spots is because of the yeast that clocks your pigment cells from making pigment when in the sun. So, we first have to treat the yeast and then have people get some sun on the areas to stimulate their pigment cells. This process can take several weeks.” Should I moisturize tinea versicolor? Dr. Loucas says, “Moisturizing the areas can’t hurt and will help to decrease the flaking often seen. It will treat the actual condition, but can improve its appearance.” Is tinea versicolor the same as vitiligo? No. Vitiligo is a result of dysfunctionality of the cells that produce melanin, while tinea versicolor is a skin condition caused by a yeast fungus called Malassezia. How long does tinea versicolor last? In about two weeks, the physical symptoms like scaly and dry skin will be resolved. However, it may take about 6 to 12 months for your normal skin color to be restored. Which is the best soap for tinea versicolor? Antifungal soaps (like Naturasil Tinea Versicolor) soap are often recommended for the treatment of tinea versicolor. Zinc pyrithione is another soap used for treating tinea versicolor. Which antifungal cream is best for tinea versicolor? Creams containing antifungal ingredients like clotrimazole, miconazole, selenium sulfide, and terbinafine are recommended for the treatment of tinea versicolor. You can also use any of the above remedies if you are looking for natural alternatives. Does tinea versicolor itch? Although the discolored skin patches are not contagious or painful, they may become scaly and itchy. Which area of your body is most affected by tinea versicolor? Tinea versicolor can affect any part of your body, but it is most likely to affect your neck, chest, back, and arms. Can hot showers cause tinea versicolor? Yes. While regular washing or showering helps remove fungi and dead skin cells, hot showers favor fungal growth. How do you know if tinea versicolor is healing? If you observe the discoloration of your skin fade away, it means tinea versicolor is healing. Is Vaseline good for tinea versicolor? Anecdotal evidence suggests that Vaseline is good for tinea versicolor. However, limited research is available in this regard. Is tinea versicolor an autoimmune disease? No. Tinea versicolor is not an autoimmune disease.
