Tinea versicolor is also called pityriasis versicolor and is a long-term, chronic fungal infection of the skin that causes rough, discolored patches of skin on the body and can affect people of all races and ages. These sometimes itchy patches are circular and can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone and are usually found on the stomach, chest, back, arms, and legs. Tinea versicolor is not contagious, but it is a common and recurring topical yeast infection, especially in hot climates, and it is difficult to get rid of unless treated properly. A dermatologist can diagnose it through a visual exam, scraping a sample, or using a special light to see the color of the infected skin.
Reasons: No one really knows the exact cause of this skin infection when they get it, but causes such as a compromised immune system, a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates, too much yeast on the surface of the skin, oily skin, sweating, hormonal problems are suspected. . imbalances and hot, humid conditions.
Symptoms: The usual symptoms are round, scaly patches of discolored skin that may or may not be itchy, depending on the severity of the infection. I’ve battled tinea versicolor for a few years and find that it itches a lot when I’m hot, so avoid getting too hot as much as possible. It has always been on my stomach, chest, arms and legs, but it can spread to other areas if left untreated and those spots will not tan when exposed to the sun while the infection is present.
Deals: There are the standard treatments of antifungal creams or pills, but prolonged use of these can damage the liver, so it is better to treat the yeast inside as well. Changing your diet to fewer carbs, more raw vegetables, and anti-fungal foods for life is a start.
There’s also: probiotic teas, lactofermented foods and beverages, or antifungal foods that help curb yeast in the body, such as Kombucha, Kifer, raw coconut, and cultured vegetables.
For the skin, there are excellent mud soaps with zinc and sulfur, as well as a topical ointment called Saprox, which are very effective at keeping yeast on the surface of the skin at bay. Clothing, bedding, towels, and washcloths should be washed and changed daily to prevent reinfection. Discolored patches can take months to return to their normal color and must be exposed to the sun to restore color.
My battle with Tinea Versicolor has been kept under control with the above steps and must be continued to avoid an unwanted visit from the fungus family.
