Tinea versicolor is also called pityriasis versicolor and is a long-term chronic fungal skin infection that causes rough, discolored patches on the skin of 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 is difficult to eliminate unless properly treated. A dermatologist can diagnose it by visual exam, scraping a sample, or using a special light to see the color of the infected skin.
Causes: No one really knows the exact cause of this skin infection when they get it, but there are suspected 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, hormones. imbalances and hot, humid conditions.
Symptoms: The usual symptoms are round, scaly patches of discolored skin that may or may not itch, depending on the severity of the infection. I have battled tinea versicolor for a few years and it stings a lot when I am hot, so avoid getting too hot as much as possible. It’s always been on my stomach, chest, arms, and legs, but it can spread to other areas if left untreated and those spots won’t tan when exposed to the sun as long as the infection is present.
Deals: There are standard treatments of antifungal creams or pills, but long-term use of these can damage the liver, so it is best to treat the yeast on the inside as well. Changing your diet to fewer carbohydrates, more raw vegetables, and antifungal foods for life is a start.
There’s also: Probiotic teas, lacto-fermented drinks, and antifungal foods or foods that help curb yeast in the body, such as Kombucha, Kifer, raw coconut, and cultivated vegetables.
For the skin, there are excellent zinc sulfur mud soaps, as well as a topical ointment called Saprox, which are very effective in keeping yeast on the surface of the skin at bay. Clothing, bedding, towels, and washcloths should be washed and changed daily to avoid reinfection. Discolored patches can take months to return to normal color and need to be exposed to the sun to regain 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 mushroom family.