What Is Tinea Versicolor?
Tinea versicolor is a skin condition brought on by a common body yeast. Although it can affect the neck, upper arms, and very infrequently the face, it typically affects the back, shoulders, and upper chest. Even after receiving adequate therapy, it produces a chemical that causes the skin to bleach and leave pale areas that last for weeks.
Teenagers and young adults are frequently afflicted by the common skin fungal infection known as tinea versicolor. Versicolor refers to the fact that the affected skin regularly changes color.
A close look at the damaged areas will show a modest rise in the surface scale.
Causes
Most people carry the common human yeast Malassezia furfur, which can start to behave more like tinea corporis (ringworm). This yeast is also thought to be the cause of dandruff (seborrhea), which explains why some dandruff treatments also work for tinea versicolor.Symptoms and Signs?
Tinea versicolor is characterized by skin patches that are discolored. Versicolor, which refers to color variations, typically appears light on dark skin and dark or red on light skin. Depending on whether the skin is pale in the winter or tanned in the summer, the appearance on the same patient may change throughout the year. The appearance may vary depending on where on the body the patient is, appearing pink/brown on the midback and pale on a tanned neck.
Usually only affecting the shoulders, mid-back, and chest, the rash might infrequently go lower down the arms. Rarely, people with deeper skin tones and those with African-American ancestry will exhibit facial involvement.
Other skin conditions like intense itching, growing lumps, skin ulceration, hair loss, and enlarged lymph nodes are not indications of tinea versicolor and should lead to a search for a different diagnosis.
Home Remedies
Patchouli Oil
Patchouli oil aids in calming irritated and scratchy skin. Because of its antifungal characteristics, which also help treat tinea versicolor, it is a great treatment for fungus infections.
A teaspoon of coconut oil or any other carrier oil should be combined with eight drops of patchouli oil. Gently apply this mixture to the skin that is impacted. After 20 to 40 minutes, wash it off with water. This may also be left on all night.
Eucalyptus Oil
A substance called eugenol, which is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, is found in eucalyptus oil. Both the Malassezia fungus and the symptoms of tinea versicolor can be reduced with its aid.
Add a teaspoon of any carrier oil to six to seven drops of eucalyptus oil. After applying this combination for 30 to 40 minutes, massage the afflicted regions. After rinsing it off, pat your skin dry.
Tea Tree Oil
Skin that has developed tinea versicolor may be itchy and discolored. Tea tree oil’s anti-inflammatory effects can assist to reduce itching, and its antifungal characteristics can aid to eradicate the fungus that is causing this disease.
One teaspoon of coconut oil and seven drops of tea tree oil are combined. Mixture should be applied to the affected regions. Before removing it with water, let it sit on for 30 to 60 minutes.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a multipurpose food that can solve all of your problems. For patients with Tinea Versicolor, applying turmeric paste to the afflicted area will help lessen irritability, itching, and pigmentation. You might find immediate treatment from all your problems using turmeric.Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a fantastic moisturizer and skin-calming substance. Natural anti-fungal coconut oil helps eliminate and stop any fungal diseases.Yoghurt
Applying yogurt paste to the affected region will assist to balance out the excess yeast, which is the main contributor of Tinea versicolor. Yogurt has a lot of probiotics, which aid in preventing the growth of fungus.Aloe Vera
All homes adore aloe vera because of its many advantages. Aloe Vera is a substance that virtually always solves problems and is particularly effective in calming sensitive skin. Along with its anti-inflammatory and alkalizing characteristics, which can help soothe the affected region and prevent the fungus from spreading, it is high in vitamin B12, which is beneficial for treating Tinea versicolor.Honey
It should come as no surprise that honey can effectively treat tinea versicolor and its symptoms given that it has healing, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal characteristics.
Apply some honey to the troublesome regions. After at least 30 minutes, wash it off with water.
Candle Bush
Candle bush leaves have potent antifungal properties. Because of this, they may be beneficial in treating tinea versicolor, according to a 1994 study that was published in Ethnopharmacology.
Grab a few candle bush leaves. Pour just enough olive oil to create a paste. After applying the mixture for around 30 minutes, rinse it off. For this use, you may also use the candle bush preparation that is easily found on the market.
Neem
Popular herbal medicine is neem. Its anti-inflammatory and antifungal characteristics aid in reducing skin inflammation and combat fungal infections. This herb can treat tinea versicolor effectively when applied topically.
Pick up a few neem leaves. Blend them after adding water. Neem paste should be applied to the afflicted regions. After about 30 minutes, wash it off with water.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
A potent anti-inflammatory and antifungal treatment, grapefruit seed extract can be used to fight the fungus that causes tinea versicolor.
A few teaspoons of grapefruit seed extract should be applied to a cotton pad. Apply it to the skin that is harmed. After 30 minutes, wash it off with lukewarm water.
Epsom Salt
Magnesium is included in epsom salt, and it helps to relieve inflammation. Tinea versicolor’s inflammatory symptoms can be treated by applying Epsom salt topically.
A tub full of water should have a cup of Epsom salt added. Spend 20 to 30 minutes soaking in it. To dry, pat your skin.
Castor Oil
Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid (ricinoleate), which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that aid in the treatment of tinea versicolor.
Apply a small amount of castor oil to the area that is stained using your hands. Once it has been applied for 20 to 30 minutes, simply rinse it off with water. The oil can also be left on all night.
MIMI (Multi ion mask insert)
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- Adult & Youth Sizes Available
Apple Cider Vinegar
Along with its antifungal qualities, apple cider vinegar’s acetic acid demonstrates outstanding anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce tinea versicolor-related inflammation and infection.
To the water, add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Apply the solution with a cotton pad after dipping it into it. You can also drink this solution once a day.
Vitamins
Tinea versicolor can be treated with the vitamins A, D, and E. They control how much melanin you produce and encourage quicker healing. These vitamins have therapeutic qualities and are excellent antioxidants.
Eggs, milk, seafood, broccoli, spinach, turnips, kale, and other foods also contain these vitamins. After speaking with a doctor, you can also take supplements to fight vitamin deficiency.
Garlic
Allicin, a substance, is abundant in garlic. The potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of this organosulfur compound have been utilized to treat tinea versicolor and its symptoms.
Juice from some minced garlic is obtained. Garlic extract should be applied to the region and left on for 20 to 30 minutes. With some water, remove it. Additionally, you can eat two garlic cloves per day on an empty stomach.
Baking Soda
Alkaline conditions make fungi incapable of surviving. Your skin typically has an acidic pH. It becomes alkaline and becomes itch-free with baking soda.
Add a few drops of water to two teaspoons of baking soda. Paste should be applied to the troubled areas, and it should be left on for 20 to 30 minutes. With water, remove the mixture. A teaspoon of baking soda can also be added to a glass of water and then consumed.
How long does it take for Tinea versicolor to get treated?
Tinea versicolor may disappear after one to two months of using the appropriate medications and treatments. As soon as you notice the symptoms, you should have a doctor take a look. Do keep in mind that every person’s recovery process will be different. It’s crucial to pay attention to your doctor’s recommendations and abide by any safety precautions.Bottom Line
The growth of Malassezia, a fungus that causes tinea versicolor, is aided by a hot environment, humid conditions, heavy perspiration, hormonal fluctuations, etc. Your confidence is damaged and your skin’s attractiveness is harmed by these discolored areas on the skin. Fortunately, there are non-medical treatments for tinea versicolor as well as the home remedies mentioned above. These treatments, which reduce inflammation and inhibit the growth of fungi, include essential oils, garlic, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, turmeric, and others. Incorporate low-carb, probiotic-rich, protein-rich foods into your diet as well as garlic for healthy skin.
