What is tinea versicolor?
Tinea versicolor is a skin condition caused by a yeastlike
fungus called Malassezia furfur. Tinea versicolor means
"multicolored ringworm." It is more common in warm, humid
climates. The condition occurs in adolescents and adults.
Symptoms include:
Numerous spots and patches appear on the neck, upper
back, and shoulders.
The spots are covered by a fine scale.
The spots vary in size.
In summer, the spots are light and don't tan like the
normal skin.
In winter, as normal skin tone fades, the spots look
darker (often pink or brown) than normal Caucasian skin.
How long will it last?
The problem tends to come and go for many years. There are
no serious complications. It is a cosmetic problem.
Itching is uncommon.
How is it treated?
Selsun Blue shampoo
Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide) is a nonprescription
medicated shampoo that can cure this condition. Apply
this shampoo once a day for 14 days. Apply it to the
affected skin areas as well as 2 or 3 inches onto the
adjacent normal skin. Rub it in and let it dry. Be
careful to keep it away from the eyes and genitals, since
it is irritating to these tissues. After 30 minutes,
take a shower. In 2 weeks the scaling should be stopped,
and the rash temporarily cured. Normal skin color will
not return for 6 to 12 months.
Prevention of recurrences
Tinea versicolor tends to recur. Prevent this by applying
Selsun Blue shampoo on the areas that were affected previously
once a month for several years. Leave it on for 1 to 2 hours,
then shower. This precaution is especially important in the
summer months because this fungus thrives in warm weather.
Contagiousness
Tinea versicolor is not contagious. This fungus is found
on the hair follicles in many people. Only a few develop
the overgrowth of the fungus and a rash.
When should I call my health care provider?
Call during office hours if:
The rash is not improved with this treatment after
2 weeks.
You feel your child is getting worse.
You have other questions or concerns.
