Tinea Versicolor: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and More

Written by Resurchify | Updated on: April 19, 2022

Our skin is quite fragile and prone to a lot of diseases and infections. It rips when handled roughly, and without care, it develops abnormalities when something just so happens to go amiss. The skin is one of the first indicators of the body or its systems going haywire. Sometimes, the skin gets problems of its own, and tinea versicolor is one of them. Let us see what it is and learn all about it alongside other similar issues.

What Is Tinea Versicolor?

Tinea versicolor (also known as Pityriasis Versicolor) is a common fungal infection that appears in discolored patches on the skin. The patches are either darker or lighter than the surrounding skin of the person, and they may cause mild itching. They do not look particularly unpleasant, like ringworm and most other skin infections do, but they still spawn feelings of self-consciousness, discomfort, and stress in patients.

Studies show that tinea versicolor affects both men and women equally but is less likely to affect people who live in colder places like Canada and Sweden.

Fortunately, they are not contagious or incurable, and they are not pain-inducing either.

Fun Fact: The skin is the largest organ of the body.

Symptoms Of Tinea Versicolor

Symptoms of tinea versicolor are:

Discolored patches of skin (darker or lighter than the person's complexion)
Mild itchiness
Dry or scaly skin

These show up primarily on the chest, back, neck and shoulders.

Fun Fact: More than a million sweat glands exist in the human skin.

What Are The Causes Of Tinea Versicolor?

There is a type of fungus found on our skin: yeast. This type of yeast is called Malassezia, and it actually exists on our skin to protect us from infections. It is usually observed on oily areas of the skin such as the face, neck, scalp, and back. This fungus causes problems only when it misbehaves and converts into a pathogen. Tinea versicolor thrives in habitats rich in lipids and shows tendencies of being lipophilic (dissolving or combining in/with fat).

When there is an overgrowth of yeast on our skin, infections such as tinea versicolor occur, and our skin color gets affected. Below are some of the causes for the overgrowth of yeast:

Oily skin
Hot or humid weather/climate
Poor immunity
Changes in hormone levels

Tinea Versicolor In Children

Tinea versicolor rarely occurs in children, but that is not to say that they can never get it.

If you notice your child displaying strange patches of discoloration on their skin or feel itchy, get them examined by a doctor. Their medical history may be required for the doctor to make a diagnosis and the child may need to give an exam.

Oftentimes, it is children with poor immune systems, those who live in hotter climates or have moist skin that are the targets of tinea versicolor.

Tinea Versicolor In Teens

Puberty brings about hormonal changes in children. The disturbance in hormones makes them highly prone to various types of ailments, including fungal infections like tinea versicolor. One of the changes children face once they enter their teen years is the production of natural oils from the sebaceous glands. They are responsible for keeping the skin smooth and soft but often cause minor inconveniences like the appearance of pimples.

Oily skin is a risk factor of tinea versicolor for teenagers. Summers or living in hotter climates make them susceptible to tinea versicolor and other fungal infections — especially if they are physically active and sweat a lot.

Tinea versicolor may cause mental distress to teenagers regarding their visual image.

What Is The Treatment For Tinea Versicolor?

Tinea versicolor is quite a treatable condition. For a diagnosis, your doctor will need to examine the infected area of your skin, and if required, they will scrape some of the skin for scrutinizing. Topical antifungal medications are primarily used to treat tinea versicolor. They contain ketoconazole (one of the most popular fungal treatments and the most common one used for tinea versicolor), econazole, isoconazole. Another popularly used treatment for this infection is a "nonspecific antifungal agent" like salicylic acid. Nonspecific antifungal agents get rid of dead skin tissue and prevent the fungus from spreading.

Most topical medications are in the form of greasy creams and ointments, but shampoos, soaps, and sprays have also been developed.

Oral medications are used only when the infection is acute and extensively spread across the body. Itraconazole is a highly recommended oral medication for fungal infections such as tinea versicolor and ringworm. This treatment can be prescribed for a week or more.

Another option available for treatment when tinea versicolor becomes a recurring issue is maintenance therapy. Maintenance therapy calls for the utilization of systemic antifungal agents to ensure that the infection does not make a comeback.

How To Prevent Tinea Versicolor

Tinea versicolor is an infection that can keep recurring, and it is easier to avoid contracting it at all than getting it and being mindful of it. To prevent it from returning, you may use prescribed medications once or twice a month.

It is essential to know that yeast thrives in warm, moist, and dark places. To prevent an overgrowth of yeast, it should be one of the top priorities that we keep ourselves clean and dry, especially during summers and in hotter climates.

Caution

When self-care does not seem to work out, and you notice your infection worsens (when it keeps returning, spreads over most of your body, or does not improve after medication), you should immediately seek medical assistance.

Tinea versicolor can be mistaken for other infections and conditions (and vice versa) such as:

Vitiligo - a skin condition relating to the loss of skin pigment cells
Seborrheic dermatitis - a skin condition that mainly thrives on the scalp but can find infect the face, chest, and back
Pityriasis alba - this condition brings about red scaly lesions but leaves discolored patches on the skin after it gets resolved

Since there is a possibility of serious diseases (such as secondary syphilis) being mistaken for tinea versicolor and being left neglected, it is essential that you take caution and get a medical diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tinea Versicolor And Other Skin Problems

Who are at risk of getting tinea versicolor?

People at risk of getting infected:

Unusually sweaty or oily people
People with diabetes
Overweight persons
Pregnant women
People with HIV

Is a yeast infection the same as tinea versicolor?

No, yeast infection and tinea versicolor are two different things. Yeast infection rises when a particular strain of fungi on the skin called candida multiplies uncontrollably.

Can tinea versicolor become chronic?

Tinea versicolor can become a recurring infection in some people, and the discoloration it causes can take up months or even years to clear up.

Can tinea versicolor be genetic?

Certain people can be genetically more susceptible to tinea versicolor. However, it is not to say that environmental factors are to be disregarded.

Can a tinea versicolor infection be an indication of an underlying disease?

Tinea versicolor may occur due to a weak immune system or hormonal disturbance.

Can tea tree essential oil really help with fungal infections like tinea versicolor and ringworm?

Some studies show that the antifungal properties of tea tree oil can help provide relief to ringworm infections. The first step to using tea tree essential oil for a ringworm infection is to ensure you do not have adverse reactions to the oil. Do a patch test first and consider seeking medical advice before treating your infected skin. Always use a carrier oil with essential oils to dilute them. Make sure your skin is dry before applying the mix.

What are some of the most common fungal infections?

Below are some of the most common fungal infections:

Ringworm
Jock Itch
Athlete's Foot
Candidiasis

How can fungal infections be prevented?

Fungal infections can be prevented by the practice of good hygiene. Daily showers and efforts to keep the body dry during hot weather and in hot climates can reduce the possibility of getting infected. One should be wary of using others' personal items such as towels and undergarments because most fungal infections are contagious even though tinea versicolor is not. Another good practice is to avoid wearing tight clothing during summers, and clothes that do not allow the body to breathe can easily be a cause of fungal infections. Always wear clean clothes and shower at least once a day. Avoid physical contact with those who have fungal infections (including infected animals like dogs).

Fun Fact: The thinnest part of the human skin on the eyelids.

What is a ringworm skin infection?

Ringworm is an infection caused by a fungus called dermatophytes. Dermatophytes feed on keratin, a type of protein that makes up the skin, hair, and nails. The existence of keratin is the reason why ringworm occurs on the skin, nails, and scalp. A ringworm infection forms scaly, angry red rashes on the skin, itching, and blistering at worst. They form red circles on the body and make the nails brittle and thick, and ringworm on the scalp causes the appearance of bald patches.

Fun Fact: Our skin is the thickest on our feet.

Is jock itch the same as a ringworm infection?

A jock itch is another form of ringworm that thrives in the groin area, buttocks, and upper thighs.

What is an athlete's foot?

An athlete's foot is another form that ringworm takes, and it occurs on the toes. It happens when your feet are constantly sweaty and confined in shoes that do not allow air to pass.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the ringworm fungus can live on both the body of a person and non-living surfaces? That is why gym showers are so notorious!

Can ringworm be contagious?

Yes, ringworm is a contagious infection. It can spread from physical contacts like handshakes and hugs. It can also be spread by sharing personal items like towels and clothes.

Can a ringworm infection become chronic?

Yes, a ringworm infection can become chronic. Ringworm can become a long-term infection, always slowly spreading, and infecting the entire body. Chronic ringworm may become painful and fill up with pus. It can be harder to cure and may become recurring.

Fun Fact: We shed skin cells every minute!

What is cellulitis? Is it a fungal infection?

Cellulitis is not a fungal infection — it is a bacterial infection of the skin. It does not simply affect the visible layer of skin on our bodies, but it can penetrate deeper and get into our bloodstreams.

Is acne a fungal infection?

There are two types of acne. One is hormonal acne that occurs due to excess sebum production. The other type of acne is fungal acne which happens when there is an overgrowth of yeast. Fungal acne is usually inflamed red skin with itchy pimples (that are actually bumps) that are often filled with pus. It does not react to treatments used for hormonal acne.

What happens when you get cellulitis?

Cellulitis cannot affect just your skin but also your tissues underneath. It can damage your lymph nodes, too, if allowed to spread. Symptoms of cellulitis such as swelling, rashes, and redness (or discoloration) also occur.

What are the four classifications of fungal infections?

Fungal infections have been classified based on the sites they occur in and into the following four types:

Superficial Fungal Infection: It is the type where the infection is restricted to the outermost layer of the epidermis where the dead skin resides.
Cutaneous Fungal Infection: This type of fungal infection is superficial and occurs primarily in the skin, hair, and nails.
Subcutaneous Fungal Infection: This happens to take place in the dermis or the subcutaneous layer (the hypodermis) of the skin.
Systemic Fungal Infection (Deep Fungal Infection): A systemic fungal infection occurs when a cutaneous fungal infection progresses for the worst (not subcutaneous, they rarely ever develop into deep fungal infections). This infection affects the organs, as well.

There are other classifications of fungal infections, as well. These classifications are made on the basis of the routes the fungi take to enter the body, and the type of pathogen the fungi are.

Fun Fact: Fifteen percent of your body weight belongs to your skin!

What are some of the symptoms of cellulitis?

Below are some of the most common symptoms of cellulitis are:

tender skin
swelling of skin
redness of affected skin
pain
blisters
the appearance of red spots
warmth in the affected area
pus
fever
chills

How is cellulitis treated?

Cellulitis is treated through antibiotics. Usually, oral antibiotics are prescribed, and the treatment may take a week or more, to effectively remove the cellulitis.

What are some examples of systemic fungal infections?

Some examples of systemic fungal infections are:

Blastomycosis: occurs through inhaling fungal spores found primarily in decaying leaves and wood. Symptoms include cough, chest pains, weight loss, lesions, ulcers, sores, etc.
Histoplasmosis: happens due to the inhalation of fungal spores found in soil containing bird, and bat droppings in a large amount. Some of the symptoms are red bumps and spots on the body, mouth ulcers, fever, extreme fatigue, chest pain, and aches all over the body.
Mycetoma: this takes place when bacteria and fungi in soil and water enter the body through breaks in the skin. Symptoms of mycetoma are disfiguration of body parts and swelling.

Can fungal infections be fatal?

Yes, some fungal infections may cause serious health complications and can be deadly.

What are opportunistic fungal pathogens?

Opportunistic fungal pathogens are microorganisms that are usually harmless against people who are healthy and who have adept immune systems.

What is aspergillosis?

Aspergillosis is an infection caused by fungi. It primarily affects the body's respiratory system. The fungus that births this infection is called aspergillus, a type of mold that can be found everywhere. The mold is usually harmless, but some strains of it might cause adverse reactions in people — especially in those who have weak immune systems, asthma, or allergies.

Symptoms of aspergillosis can be:

fever
hemoptysis
chest pain
lesions on the skin
chills
difficulty in breathing

Treatment of aspergillosis generally involves antifungal drugs, but surgery and other procedures may be required depending on the severity of the infection.

What is impetigo?

Impetigo is a bacterial infection, not a fungal one. It is commonly seen in young children, although it can affect adults too. It primarily occurs when the bacteria get in through broken skin but can happen on unbroken and healthy skin as well. It causes clusters of sores and blisters that ooze with pus. The formation of red spots and yellow crusts is also observed. The chances of contracting impetigo increase in warm or humid climates. People who have weak immune systems, people with prior skin issues like eczema, and those who have diabetes are more likely to get this infection.

An impetigo infection is cleared by antibiotic creams, ointments, and oral medications. Sometimes, serious complications can occur when the treatment of impetigo is neglected.

What is eczema?

Eczema is a type of skin condition where the skin becomes inflamed and itchy. This skin condition is usually brought about through genes but can be caused by allergies. Eczema appears as patches of irritated dry skin that are itchy. They can be scaly and red and can fill with fluid.

The cure to this skin condition is yet to be found, but treatments to control it and provide relief are simple:

moisturize the affected skin daily
apply ointment and creams without fail
use soap and body washes that are mild and gentle on the skin
try to avoid being aggressive with your eczema, so do not harshly scrub yourself or rub yourself dry with a towel
avoid scratching your infected areas. Scratching breaks the skin and makes you susceptible to other diseases and infections.
take warm showers and baths

What are the differences between viruses and bacteria, and fungi?

Viruses

Easier to contract
Dependent on a host for activity
Can infect even bacteria and fungi

Bacteria

Single-celled microorganisms
Do not necessarily need hosts, active on their own
Can be both beneficial or harmful to humans

Fungi

Are eukaryotic
Live and grow in the environment and on and in us
Play a major role in the cycle of nature

Can vaccines be used for treatment against fungal infections?

Despite attempts being made for vaccines that treat fungal infections, there still has not been any breakthrough.

What is Cryptococcus?

Cryptococcus neoformans is a type of yeast from the fungi kingdom. It causes a fungal infection called cryptococcosis, and it affects the lungs from where it can spread to even the brain. It can happen due to contact with infected people, bird droppings, soil that contains this invasive fungus, and dirty raw fruit and vegetables.

Symptoms of this fungal infection are headaches, neck pain, vomiting, nausea, disorientation, dry coughs, excessive sweating, confusion, and changes in behavior. The skin may develop rashes, red spots, spots filled with pus, and ulcers. A cryptococcus fungal infection can be resolved by antifungal therapy.

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection that is usually caused by a virus but it can also be brought about by both fungi and bacteria.

Meningitis affects the membranes (meninges) found in the brain and spinal cord. It makes the membranes inflamed, causing pain in the back and neck, fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, red rashes on the skin, disorientation, headaches, etc.

Viral Meningitis Infection: This occurs because of a virus and is the easiest to recover from, and it goes away by itself. It usually affects young children (around the age of five or less) and other people with weak immune systems.

Bacterial Meningitis Infection: This form of meningitis is a lot more severe and fatal. It can cause blood infections and long-term issues in patients like loss of hearing and vision. Bacterial meningitis requires immediate medical attention as it can cause death within hours.

Fungal Meningitis Infection: Meningitis caused by fungi is rare and occurs when a fungal infection happens upon the brain or spinal cord. The symptoms of meningitis caused by fungi are slower to appear than in other types of meningitis. Fungi that can cause meningitis include Histoplasma, Candida, and Cryptococcus neoformans. Fortunately, fungal meningitis is not contagious — although the fungal infections causing them may be so.

There are also other reasons why meningitis might occur.

Treatment of meningitis depends on the type of pathogen causing it. Viral meningitis can be recovered from simple rest and care and common over-the-counter medications. Patients with bacterial meningitis need urgent medical treatment to prevent complications and fatality. Antifungal medications are used to treat meningitis caused by fungi.

Meningitis and its causal pathogen can only be diagnosed by a professional in the medical field.

Are there any home remedies to counter fungal infections?

Mild cases of fungal cases can be treated or avoided through these simple home remedies:

Apple Cider Vinegar: It has been long-known for having antifungal properties. You can dilute it with water and dab the mixture on infected areas.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has antifungal properties and can be used on fungal infections on the body and scalp.
Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has both antifungal and antibacterial properties. Using it with a carrier oil can help relieve symptoms.
Turmeric: This yellow spice is an ancient treatment for wounds and infections. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Mix it with water to form a paste before applying it to your skin.

There are many other home remedies that can provide relief from fungal infections.

This article is not meant to replace medical professionals, treatments, or advice. It is purely for spreading awareness and knowledge. Articles should not be researched and used to diagnose any type of ailment, including skin infections. The treatments and remedies mentioned above may not suit everyone, can cause adverse reactions and allergies or worsen present symptoms of infections. They are simply methods that work in general and average cases. However, keeping yourself clean and dry, especially during warmer seasons, and avoiding sharing of personal items are habits everyone and anyone can implement in their lives.

If you notice that you have a fungal infection or a worsening skin condition, seek medical assistance.

References