Question 1

how can i tell tinea versicolor from vitiligo?

Accepted Answer

No scale in vitiligo: Both can whitish but there is no scale in vitiligo. Vitiligo rarely itches.  Tinea versicolor usually occurs in areas of  the trunk or close to the trunk. It occurs primarily in oily areas and more common in summer/ warm and humid months.

Question 2

what is the difference between vitiligo and tinea versicolor?

Accepted Answer

Lots!: Vitiligo is a loss of pigment in the basal layer of the skin, while tinea versicolor is a superficial fungal infection.

Question 3

if you have a very light white patch on your face does it mean you have vitiligo? doe tinea versicolor appear on face?

Accepted Answer

Maybe, maybe not: Vitiligo is the complete absence of pigment in an area of skin. Tinea versicolor often shows a light patch of skin but it still contains pigment. There  are other conditions such as ash-leaf spots that exist. A doctor should evaluate to tease out the differences.

Question 4

what is a tinea versicolor?

Accepted Answer

Fungal skin problem: Tinea versicolor if a fungal skin infection, usually on the back, chest, abdomen, and neck. Selsun blue shampoo, containing selenium, can help. A person can put selsun blue on the rash areas, wait 10-15 minutes, and then take his regular shower. If he does this once a day for 3 days, then once a week for 3 weeks, and then once a month, it should work. Skin color takes many months to even out.

Question 5

what is tinea versicolor and how can it be treated?

Accepted Answer

Tinea versicolor: Tinea versicolor is a superficial infection of the skin with a common yeast-like fungus.  It occurs mostly on the trunk.  It is usually treated with either topical antifungals or short-term oral antifungals.  It commonly recurs.

Question 6

what is the main reason behind tinea versicolor?

Accepted Answer

See below: Tina versicolor is caused by a fungus of the genus malassezia.  It is a dimorphic fungus that is part of normal skin flora.  Transforming of the fugus from yeast cells to a pathogenic mycelial form is what cause the clinical disease.  Why this happens is not completely understood but is associated with hot, humid weather, increased sweating and the use of topical skin oils.  It is not bad hygiene.

Question 7

what's recommended as a cure for tinea versicolor?

Accepted Answer

Prescription meds: This generally takes a simple prescription strength medication that most primary care docs can provide. I prescribe one in a lotion form.Contact your doc.

Question 8

does going to a sauna help treat tinea versicolor?

Accepted Answer

Sauna and Skin: Nope. The opposite. The moist warm air may increase the infection not treat it.

Question 9

what otc medication will work for tinea versicolor?

Accepted Answer

Ketoconazole: Ketoconazole (nizoral) shampoo works well when used as a body wash.  So can some of the other dandruff shampoos such as head and shoulders.

Question 10

how should i treat my laundry to kill tinea versicolor?

Accepted Answer

Treat yourself: You may have tinea versicolor. Apply selsun blue shampoo to skin, leave on for a few minutes, then rinse off in shower. Do this 2-3 times per week for a month to help treat the fungus. The laundry does not carry the fungus.

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Doctor answers about:

Tinea versicolor or vitiligo

A member asked:

How can i tell tinea versicolor from vitiligo?

A member asked:

What is the difference between vitiligo and tinea versicolor?

A member asked:

If you have a very light white patch on your face does it mean you have vitiligo? doe tinea versicolor appear on face?

A member asked:

What is a tinea versicolor?

A member asked:

What is tinea versicolor and how can it be treated?

A member asked:

What is the main reason behind tinea versicolor?

A member asked:

What's recommended as a cure for tinea versicolor?

A member asked:

Does going to a sauna help treat tinea versicolor?

A member asked:

What otc medication will work for tinea versicolor?

A member asked:

How should i treat my laundry to kill tinea versicolor?

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