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How Do I Choose the Best Home Remedies for Tinea Versicolor?

Amy Hunter
Amy Hunter

Tinea versicolor is a chronic condition that develops when yeast that is normally present on the body grows out of control. The best home remedies for tinea versicolor include treating the affected areas with antifungal medication, and making lifestyle changes to make the skin less vulnerable to yeast overgrowth. Doing these two things should clear up existing cases of the disease, and reduce the risk of the condition returning in the future.

Treat tinea versicolor by applying an over the counter antifungal product. Creams containing the active ingredients micronazole, clotrimazole, and ketoconazole are all effective treatments. Dandruff shampoo containing selenium sulfide will also clear up the condition.

Avoiding saunas and other humid environments may help prevent a recurrence of tinea versicolor.
Avoiding saunas and other humid environments may help prevent a recurrence of tinea versicolor.

To use these home remedies for tinea versicolor, wash and dry the affected area, and then apply the antifungal product. If using a cream, rub into the skin until it is absorbed. If using shampoo, allow it to remain on the skin for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry. Repeat the process, two times a day, for at least two weeks.

If, after one month of treatment, the condition has not cleared up, visit a doctor. Home remedies for tinea versicolor are normally effective, however some require treatment from a healthcare provider. There are stronger prescription antifungals available to clear up tinea versicolor.

African Americans may develop hypopigmentation.
African Americans may develop hypopigmentation.

Refrain from using products containing oil while using home remedies for tinea versicolor and once it has cleared up. In addition, do not wear clothes that are restrictive or rub against the skin. Finally, try to keep your skin cool and dry. Intense, sweaty exercise or spending time in a sauna or other humid environment can trigger a recurrence.

Tinea versicolor develops when the yeast pityrosporum ovale grows out of control on the skin. It happens most often in adolescent men. The main symptom of tinea versicolor is the development of discolored patches of skin with fine scales. The area is typically dark tan or reddish. While it can develop anywhere, it is most common on the chest, neck, back, and underarms.

Special shampoos that contain selenium sulfide may help to treat tinea versicolor.
Special shampoos that contain selenium sulfide may help to treat tinea versicolor.

The area affected by tinea versicolor will not tan when exposed to sun, so it may appear lighter than surrounding skin. African-Americans may develop hypopigmentation, which is a loss of skin color, or hyperpigmentation, which is an increase in the skin pigment, with this skin condition. Aside from the rash, individuals with tinea versicolor may also notice that they are sweating more, and that the areas may itch.

A pharmacist may be able to offer advice about an over-the-counter tinea versicolor treatment.
A pharmacist may be able to offer advice about an over-the-counter tinea versicolor treatment.

Risk factors for tinea versicolor include living in a humid, hot climate, oily skin, hormonal changes, and excessive sweating. Individuals with compromised immune systems are also at risk of developing this skin condition. Regardless of the cause of the disease, home remedies for tinea versicolor are typically effective.

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    • Avoiding saunas and other humid environments may help prevent a recurrence of tinea versicolor.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Avoiding saunas and other humid environments may help prevent a recurrence of tinea versicolor.
    • African Americans may develop hypopigmentation.
      By: Rob
      African Americans may develop hypopigmentation.
    • Special shampoos that contain selenium sulfide may help to treat tinea versicolor.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Special shampoos that contain selenium sulfide may help to treat tinea versicolor.
    • A pharmacist may be able to offer advice about an over-the-counter tinea versicolor treatment.
      By: Tyler Olson
      A pharmacist may be able to offer advice about an over-the-counter tinea versicolor treatment.