CAUSES OF TINEA VERSICOLOR
Tinea versicolor, which was formerly known as Pityriasis versicolor, is caused by the fungi Malassezia furfur, which was formerly known as Pityrosporum orbiculare.
SYMPTOMS OF TINEA VERSICOLOR
Many patients with Tinea versicolor are asymptomatic as they are unaware that they have the skin condition which may be discovered on routine physical examination for another condition.
Others notice the lesions during summer because they do not tan like the rest of their body as the Malassezia block the conversion of tyrosine to melanin.
Those who are aware of its presence complain because of its cosmetic appearance since Tinea versicolor skin spots are painless and can be either darker or lighter than the surrounding skin.
TREATMENT FOR TINEA VERSICOLOR
Tinea versicolor teatment can be divided into:
1. Topical medications or those applied on the skin. These include selenium sulfide shampoos and lotion, ketoconazole shampoo and clotrimazole creams
2. Oral medications or those taken by mouth include ketoconazole, fluconazole and itraconazole
3. Photodynamic therapy
