Tinea Versicolor is a common skin condition that presents with an unusual skin discoloration. Tinea Versicolor is caused by a yeast called Malasezzia furfur (formerly known as Pityrosporum orbiculare). Malasezzia furfur is part of the normal skin flora (bacteria and yeast) and can be found on all parts of the body. Tinea Versicolor does not have anything to do with an infection, but is actually an overgrowth of the yeast causing an unusual discoloration of the skin.
Tinea Versicolor typically appears on the chest, back, upper arms and neck, but can appear anywhere on the body except for palms and soles. The most common appearance is light tan or pink patches that are scaly and slightly elevated, but it may also appear as dark brown patches.
Many patients who have Tinea Versicolor report light patches during summer time when they have a tan, with dark patches appearing during winter months when they do not have a tan. This occurs because the Malasezia furfur yeast pigment will block the production of melanin in the skin causing lighter patches. During winter months when there is not a tan, these regions
Tinea Versicolor – Tinea Versicolor is a common skin infection caused by a yeast that normally lives on the skin. This yeast grows out of control and can cause spots on the neck, chest and back. There are many reasons why this happens.
Most common reasons for getting tinea versicolor:
– We all have this yeast living on our skin.
– When the weather is very hot and humid, the yeast grows out of control.
– The yeast causes small spots to form on the skin. These spots vary from person to person depending on your skin color. Some people will get light colored spots (hypopigmented); other people will get dark colored spots (hyperpigmented). Often times these spots will itch or feel scaly. Rarely, they can burn or sting.
– The rash is more common in adolescents and young adults than in older adults. It also seems to occur more frequently in people who sweat a great deal or who are overweight.
– After puberty, males seem to get tinea versicolor more often than females do.
Tinea Versicolor is a skin condition that causes the skin to have light or dark spots. It is caused by a fungal infection of the skin that occurs naturally in oil glands and hair follicles. Sebum, which is a natural lubricant for our skin, is made up of fatty acids and oils. Fungi feed off of these natural oils and can grow rapidly when there are high amounts of sebum produced.
Tinea Versicolor can show up on any part of the body, but it most commonly occurs on areas such as the back, neck, chest and upper arms. Symptoms include; red or pink patches that may be scaly or flaky, small pimples on the affected area, itching and peeling of the skin.
There are many factors that can increase your chances of getting Tinea Versicolor besides just having a fungal infection including;
– Sweating – Living in warm climates – Low Immunity – Oily Skin – Pregnancy – Taking Steroids
Tinea versicolor cannot be passed from person to person, so if you have it you do not have to worry about spreading it to other people. Tinea versicolor is a chronic condition that often recurs once it has been treated (if you
Tinea versicolor (also known as Pityriasis versicolor) is a superficial yeast infection of the skin. The yeast causing the infection is normally found on the skin surface of most individuals, but in some people it can start to grow and multiply out of control. This results in patches of discoloration on the skin that can range from light pink to dark brown. The rash typically affects areas of the body where sweat collects, such as the chest, back and underarms.
What causes tinea versicolor?
Tinea versicolor is caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast – Malassezia or Pityrosporum – that is commonly found on normal skin surfaces. Malassezia yeasts are lipophilic (they feed off oils) and obtain their nutrients from sebum. Sebum is secreted by glands in our skin, so when there is an excess of oil on the surface of our skin, this allows the yeast to grow, multiply and colonize.
The factors that seem to contribute to this condition are a warm, humid environment and oily skin. Tinea versicolor occurs more often in adolescents and young adults due to increased levels of sebum during puberty. This condition tends to
Tinea Versicolor is a skin condition that produces a discolored rash on the skin. It is not a serious condition and is easily treated. The discoloration may take the form of lightening or darkening of the affected area. The rash can occur anywhere on the body, but more commonly affects areas that are exposed to excessive amounts of sunlight. This includes the back, neck, chest, arms and shoulders.
Tinea Versicolor is caused by a yeast that lives naturally on everyone’s skin. In some people this yeast grows in excess causing the visible symptoms described above.
Tinea Versicolor is a common fungal infection of the skin. It is caused by a yeast that naturally lives on the skin. This yeast, called Pityrosporum ovale, grows out of control in some individuals, especially during warm, humid weather. The fungus grows on the stratum corneum (the outer layer of the epidermis) and produces a substance that causes the skin to accumulate abnormal amounts of pigment.
Who gets Tinea Versicolor?
Tinea Versicolor is most common in adolescents and young adults. It is believed to be more common in warm climates and may occur after a bout of sun exposure. It may also worsen in patients with oily skin or sweat excessively. Tinea Versicolor is rare in patients who are immunosuppressed or have diabetes mellitus.
What does Tinea Versicolor look like?
Tinea Versicolor manifests as small, round or oval, flat-topped pink or brown scaly spots on the trunk, arms and neck. The spots may be lighter than surrounding normal skin (hypopigmented) or darker (hyperpigmented). The rash can spread over time and become extensive, covering large areas of the trunk and upper arms.
How is
Tinea versicolor is a skin condition that produces a rash. It is not contagious, but it can leave even light-skinned people with dark spots on their body. These spots are caused by an overgrowth of fungus on the skin. This type of fungus is called malassezia, which usually lives on your skin without causing any problems. When the immune system weakens, however, malassezia can multiply and lead to tinea versicolor.
The cause of tinea versicolor is due to an overgrowth of yeast on the skin. It occurs most commonly in young adults, primarily between the ages of 15 and 30, but it can occur at any age. The yeast responsible for this condition lives on the skin surface and generally does not cause any problems unless the immune system becomes weakened and the yeast multiplies.
The onset of tinea versicolor can be prompted by:
1. Hormonal changes — associated with puberty or pregnancy
2. Frequent sweating
3. Oily skin
4. Obesity
5. Hot, humid weather
6. Medications that suppress your immune system