Description Tinea versicolor is...
Description
Tinea versicolor is a common fungal rash of the skin characterized by areas of hyper and hypo-pigmented skin (dark and light). It is caused by a yeast species called Malassezia that normally lives on our skin. When it overgrows, it most commonly affects the trunk, back, abdomen and extremities. Less commonly, it can affect the face, genitals or scalp. The rash is more likely to appear on the skin of teenagers and young adults. Some people have a genetic predisposition for the rash. In these people, the rash keeps recurring.
Symptoms
A skin rash is made up of scattered red, pink and white patches. The patches are flat without texture. They may start as small patches and later form into larger patches. The rash may be itchy when the individual is hot or sweaty.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis is confirmed by scraping the rash and performing a KOH prep test.
Tests:
KOH Test
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Dermatology, Telemedicine Dermatology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis is confirmed by scraping the rash and performing a KOH prep test.
Tests:
KOH Test
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Dermatology, Telemedicine Dermatology
Treatment
Antifungal creams such as Clotrimazole (Lotrimin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or econazole (Spectazole) are the initial treatment of choice. Oral antifungal therapy with itraconazole or fluconazole is effective and preferred by many patients because of convenience. Photodynamic therapy has been used successfully in some cases.