You may have never heard of it, but tinea versicolor is a type of skin irritation that could be driving your skin mad. This fairly common condition is brought on by a yeast fungus called Pityrosporum ovale, and it is common for this fungus to be found on the skin. Normally, it causes no problems, but for some people it can lead to itching, pain, and skin discolorations. Do You Have It? The symptoms of tinea versicolor include: • Patches of discolored skin with sharp borders or edges • Fine scaling • Dark, reddish colored skin • Located on the back, arms, chest, or neck, but can occur in other areas • Does not darken in the sun • Itching • Increases sweating If you have these or other symptoms, it may be time for you to turn to your doctor for some advice. Treatment Options for You to Consider The good news is that you can treat this condition and do so fairly easily. Generally, the application of anti-fungal medicines can help. These are sometimes over the counter, but a prescription from your doctor will offer higher quality ingredients. Additionally, if you are struggling with pain or discomfort, as can happen with a severe case, your doctor can offer treatment and relief options. Keep in mind, though, that the discoloration of your skin can last much longer, even few months. And, for many people who have this condition, it is triggered by warm weather. The best route to take is to turn to your primary care doctor for advice on whether you have tinea versicolor and how to treat it. You'll find that solutions are available to minimize not only the way this condition looks, but also the way your skin feels each day, giving you the relief that you need from uneasy skin conditions. Source
