What is tinea versicolor?
Tinea versicolor is a yeast infection caused by the overproduction of the malassezia (formerly pityrosporum) fungus.
In fact, this particular yeast lives in the hair follicles of most adult individuals without causing any disturbance. In some individuals, however, the yeast grows profusely outside the hair follicle going on to colonize large areas of skin, especially the trunk.
What does tinea versicolor look like?
Due to the exaggerated growth of the sea mushroom, rounded patches appear, isolated or converging into larger patches of a color ranging from light brown to pink or red. The patches represent fungal colonies that have grown on the skin and can be recognized because they are finely flaking like dandruff and can cause mild itching.
This mushroom is very sensitive to ultraviolet rays from the sun. When individuals with tinea versicolor are exposed to UV rays, the colonies of the fungus die, leaving behind a noticeable white patch. The white patches are very noticeable if the person is tanning. For this reason, many people realize they have PV during sun exposure due to the appearance of white patches. Hence the popular name of sea mushroom.
Paradoxically, the white patches are the result of colonization, the individual notices the fungus when it has already gone away.
How to treat Tinea Versicolor
The yeast that causes Pityriasis Versicolor, Pityrosporum orbicularis or ovalis, is sensitive to antifungals and to Sulphur and Salicylic Acid, substances characterised by their long residence time in the skin following application.
As a cosmetic adjunct to the treatment of skin symptoms, the suggestion is to:
- Apply 2S Cream in the evening to the affected area for 7 consecutive evenings.
- Use Eudermic Cleansing Base, mild detergent for washing.
When the subject realises that he or she is predisposed to developing PV spots, he or she can use 2S Cream, one application every 15 days in the evening (twice a month) and discontinue when exposing himself or herself to the sun.
Avoid the use of moisturizing creams or other ointments, as they often promote the growth of the fungus due to their oiliness.
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