It might sound like a mouthful but tinea versicolor is more common than you think. This skin condition is caused by a common fungal infection that forms tiny, discoloured patches or spots on the skin.
People with tinea versicolor know that the condition is not contagious and does not cause serious health problems, but they still feel self-conscious and embarrassed by the appearance of their skin. This person is conflicted because they want to enjoy the summer, but they don’t want to deal with the inevitable questions about their skin.
Living with the condition
Ongezwa Lokwe of Westlake, Cape Town, is struggling with the social and psychological effects of living with tinea versicolor. She says that the condition has made her more self-conscious and self-critical, as she worries about what others will think when they see her skin. She feels that the condition has limited her freedom and ability to feel confident.
“When I first saw it, my back was covered with black and pink blotches, although I had no warning signs beforehand.”
After seeking medical help, she was told that she had tinea versicolor. She has been using over-the-counter ointments for nearly a year, but she states they have not been effective at all.
“I had seen cases of tinea versicolor before, but now that I have it myself, it feels like it will be a long process to treat and heal.”
Ongezwa Lokwe
Lokwe says living with tinea versicolor, has an impact on her self-esteem and is deeply felt. The toll it takes on her mental health is significant, even though there is no physical pain associated with the condition.
From a medical standpoint
According to Dr Nomphelo Gantsho, a Cape Skin doctor and dermatologist based in Century City, Cape Town, tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection that forms tiny, discoloured patches or spots on the skin.
It is caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia fur, also known as Pityrosporum ovale, a yeast-like fungus. As a result, it is also known as pityrosporum versicolor, she says.
“The yeast (fungus) that causes tinea versicolor can be found on healthy skin. It only starts causing problems when the fungus overgrows.”
She points out that tinea versicolor is not contagious as the yeast develops naturally on your skin.
“The condition can affect people of any skin colour. Tinea versicolor occurs most frequently in teens and young adults.”
Cape Skin doctor Nomphelo Gantsho
According to Gantsho, a variety of causes may trigger this growth, including hot, humid weather, excessive sweating, oily skin, hormonal changes, and a weak immune system.
“Tinea versicolor is not painful or contagious. But it can lead to emotional distress or self-consciousness.”
Additionally, she clarifies that the belief that tinea versicolor is caused by a fish allergy or any food allergy is a myth.
Symptoms to watch out for
The yeast produces azelaic acid, which interferes with the normal pigmentation of the skin. Azelaic acid bleaches the skin and causes areas of skin to be a different colour than the skin around them, according to Gantsho.
These can be individual spots or patches. They may be lighter or darker than the skin around them.
The dry and scaly spots may occur anywhere on your body but are most commonly seen on your neck, chest, back, and arms. They
She says that treatment varies on the severity of the condition. Antifungal creams, lotions, and shampoos can be used to treat tinea versicolor while a doctor may prescribe oral antifungals in severe cases.
However, even after effective treatment, skin colour may remain uneven for several weeks or months.
If your epidermis does not respond to self-care measures, if the fungus returns, or if the patches cover significant areas of your body, according to Gantsho, you should see a doctor.
“It can be completely treated, but in some people it reoccurs.”
Dr Nomphelo Gantsho
Lifestyle tips for managing tinea versicolor
Episodes are very common because the yeast that causes the infection is a normal fungus that lives on your skin, explains Gantsho.
“You might use medicated cleansers once a week for 10 minutes at a time for a few months to help prevent tinea versicolor from coming back.”
And you may need to use these cleansers if the infection keeps returning, especially if you live in a warm and humid area, she adds.
To help you manage tinea versicolor you can:
•Avoid using oily skin products.
•Reduce the time you spend in the sun. It may trigger or worsen an episode, and a tan makes the rash more visible.
- Use an anti-fungal shampoo daily for a couple of days before sun exposure if you do have to go out.
- Put on sunscreen every day. Use a broad-spectrum, nongreasy formula with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30.
- Try a dandruff shampoo with selenium sulfide.
- Wear loose clothing.
- Choose breathable fabrics, like cotton, to decrease sweating.
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