What Is Tinea Versicolor (Fungal Infection of Skin)?

Tinea versicolor is also known as Pityriasis Versicolor. It is a fungal infection of the skin commonly seen in teenagers and adults but can be seen at any age. The fungus lives on the skin and when it grows out of control, it causes discolouration of the skin producing patches lighter or darker in colour than the surrounding skin. The infection is non-contagious and does not spread from one person to another.

RISK FACTORS:

• EXCESSIVE SWEATING: if you have more sweating then there are chances of having the fungal infection as the yeast gets suitable environment to grow.
• OILY SKIN: oily skin also increases chances of fungal growth.
• HOT CLIMATE: also gives the fungus favourable environment for growth.
• WEAK IMMUNITY: if your immunity is weak then the chances of growth of fungus also increases.

SYMPTOMS & CAUSES

SYMPTOMS

• Appearance of patches which have different colour than the surrounding skin.
• Itching is generally very mild.
• Scaling can be seen sometimes.

CAUSES

The fungus is seen normally on the skin as it lives on the healthy skin. It grows only when it is triggered by factors like humidity, hot weather, oily skin, excessive sweating, weak immune system etc.

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

DIAGNOSIS

The appearance of the fungal growth is very typical and by only looking at the patches the doctor can diagnose it. 

In doubtful situations, skin scrapings can be taken from the patches.

TREATMENT

Treatment conventionally includes anti-fungal medications.

MANAGEMENT

• Management of the fungal infection includes:
• You should not wear tight clothing rather wear loose airy clothes.
• Wear cotton fabric and not synthetic.
• Avoid excessive sweating.Maintain hygiene.
• If you have oily skin, keep it clean.
• Avoid oily skin products.Reduce sun screen and apply sunscreen whenever you go out on sun.
• Bath everyday.
• Don’t use harsh soaps and chemical products.
• Homeopathic medicines are very good at taking care of the infection.

HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

Homeopathic medicines are very good for taking care of fungal infection. Medicines like sulphur, tuberculinum, calcarea carb etc are very good medicines but should be given after studying the constitution of the patient.

Note: This article is written by the doctor or the practitioner (author) for informational purposes only. Please DO NOT SELF MEDICATE. Always consult a practicing homeopath before taking any medicines.

DO’S & DON’TS

DO’S

• Maintain hygiene.
• Bath daily.
• Wear cotton clothes.
• Wear loose clothes.
• Keep skin clean.
• Apply sunscreen if you are going out.

DON’TS

• Avoid excessive sweating.
• Don’t wear synthetic clothes.
• Don’t wear tight clothes.
• Don’t use harsh soaps.
• Don’t over expose yourself to sun.