Tinea versicolor

Tinea versicolor (Pityriasis versicolor) is a disease caused by yeasts. This is a very nagging ailment, because the infected skin itches, and if not properly treated, it can leave permanent marks. See how to recognize the symptoms of tinea versicolor and how to treat it.

Tinea versicolor is a disease that mainly affects the skin on the chest. As a result of the fungal infection Malassezia globosa or Malassezia furfur , characteristic “smudge” stains appear on the skin. These fungi exist on the skin normally and usually only in conditions of reduced immunity they cause infection. Fungi feed on the epidermis and tallow, so the disease is quite common in adolescence, when hormonal changes cause more sebum secretion. The disease is more often diagnosed in warm climates where people sweat more intensively.

Although the disease is caused by yeasts, it is not as highly contagious as tinea pedis or onychomycosis. Nevertheless, in massage parlors or solariums, you can be infected with tinea versicolor. Therefore, you should always choose proven places where hygiene standards are the highest.

The most characteristic symptom of tinea versicolor are spots that usually appear on the chest. However, the disease may also affect other parts of the body, such as back, neck, groin and even the face. The spots are large in size – 3-4 mm diameter, are irregular but with very prominent edges. Spots can merge, creating mosaic patterns. They usually have a dark beige or red color, but their edges may be gray. Interestingly, the changes are not sunburn in the summer, so they are brighter than the tanned skin. This happens because fungi block the synthesis of melatonin.

Unfortunately, pigmentation changes are not the only problem with tinea versicolor. Skin may itch. It may also peel -like the classic dandruff that affcets e scalp.