Pityriasis versicolor
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What is pityriasis versicolor?
Pityriasis versicolor is known as damage caused by a fungus to the skin, the fungal infection can inhabit the patient’s skin and damage the natural pigmentation causing spots of a lighter or darker color than the patient’s skin tone.
The development of this condition tends to occur most often in areas of the shoulders, back, or chest.
Despite being a skin infection that is not dangerous or contagious, it can cause other emotional damage to the patient that is related to their self-confidence and self-esteem.
Hot and humid climates are favorable for the formation of these fungal lesions on the skin, yet there are a variety of effective treatments that can help restore the patient’s confidence.
Symptoms of pityriasis versicolor
Very few symptoms develop with pityriasis versicolor, the most characteristic being the former. These are:
- Proliferation of irregular spots on the skin, they may be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.
- Mild itching.
- Desquamation.
The infection can go unnoticed for months, posing a problem for the patient when the spot covers a large area of the body.
It is necessary to have the recommendations of a professional to find an effective treatment and improve the condition of the skin.
Causes of Pityriasis versicolor
The cause of pityriasis versicolor is a fungus that can make its way into healthy skin and proliferate when the environment is suitable, the characteristics you need to achieve it are:
- Oily skin.
- Frequent hormonal changes.
- Depressed immune system.
- Heat and humidity in the environment.
Although these aspects do not represent a real cause, they may be part of the problem.
Diagnosis
A dermatologist is the one who must determine the diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor, with a visual physical examination sometimes it is enough, in some cases a superficial sample is taken and observed at a microscopic level to determine the diagnosis.
Treatments for pityriasis versicolor
Based on the consumption of antifungal medications, the options vary according to the considerations of each professional. By this we mean that the presentations of the treatment are topical such as creams, lotions or soaps, as well as tablets to be consumed orally.
Even the doctor may recommend a combination of both resources, while you take the right dose of antifungal pills to combat the fungus externally with a cream.
The dermatologist is the one who must define the ideal way to attack the infection, the dose and frequency of intake.
Medication options include: Itraconazole, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, fluconazole.
If you need help from a dermatologist
Dr. Diana Tejada is at your disposal to find the solution to pityriasis versicolor once and for all.
Prevention
The biggest problem with fungal infections is their strength to fight it, even after successful treatment the fungus can return and cause damage, so prevention is based on applying medications periodically to prevent the problem from reappearing.
Among the options we find:
- Selenium sulfide.
- Fluconazole
- Ketoconazole.
The presentation (cream or tablets) as well as the dose and frequency of intake will be defined by the doctor according to your characteristics.