Pityriasis versicolor is a common skin disease, affecting 40% of the population in hot and humid tropical regions, and is prone to recurrence in hot weather.
Tinea versicolor is one of the common fungal skin diseases in Vietnam, due to the hot and humid climate of the tropics, which is a favorable condition for the fungus to grow and spread. Especially in the summer, high temperatures, excessive sweating, humidity, wearing tight clothes, poor hygiene... can increase the risk of contracting and recurring tinea versicolor.
People with oily skin, sweat a lot as well as oil on the skin are prone to tinea versicolor. Workers who often have to work outdoors for many hours, sweat a lot... easily make it easy for fungi to grow and cause tinea versicolor. In addition, adolescents in puberty are also at risk when the oil glands on the skin are active in the summer. People with weak immune systems, diseases such as diabetes, pregnant women are also susceptible to this condition.
Tinea versicolor is caused by the fungus Pityrosporum ovale. This fungus usually exists harmlessly on human skin, but when favorable factors are present, it can grow and cause disease, forming small, round patches of skin that are lighter or darker in color than the surrounding skin.
Tinea versicolor spots are usually white, pink, red, brown, light brown or yellow. On darker skin, tinea versicolor is white or light brown. On lighter skin, tinea versicolor looks red or light pink. The disease can cause itching at the site or around it, the skin patches can be dry and scaly... The disease is unsightly, causing self-consciousness about appearance.
Tinea versicolor presents as white, sometimes scaly, itchy patches. Photo: NHS
Pityriasis versicolor is contagious. At first, the spots may appear in small areas, then spread to large areas such as the upper half of the body, on the back, chest, face. Pityriasis versicolor can also be spread to others through sharing personal items, sleeping in the same bed, mat...
Mild cases of tinea versicolor can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams, lotions, or shampoos. Many people choose to treat tinea versicolor at home. A popular way is to use an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains selenium. The shampoo can be applied to the skin in the shower and left on for a few minutes before rinsing. In addition, people with tinea versicolor can use over-the-counter medications as directed.
If the condition does not improve after a few weeks, the patient should see a medical facility. Doctors do not recommend natural home remedies because their effects have not been well studied.
Pityriasis versicolor usually does not cause serious complications. However, if left untreated, the patient may experience more severe symptoms such as increased skin discoloration or itching, as well as being easily spread to others.
If you have a history of tinea versicolor, your doctor may recommend using soap to prevent infection and yeast overgrowth; use prescription medications during the summer months when tinea versicolor is more likely to flare up. Most cases of tinea versicolor will clear up with proper treatment.
To reduce the risk of re-infection with pityriasis versicolor in hot weather, patients should avoid exposure to sunlight and heat; apply sunscreen; wear loose, breathable clothing to reduce sweating; and bathe thoroughly after exercise.
Hoai Phong (According to Cleveland Clinic )
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