Tinea Versicolor Groin
Symptoms of tinea versicolor groin infections include small, flat, round or oval spots that may, over time, form patches. The spots occur on oily areas of skin which encompass the upper chest, back, or upper arms or, less often, on the upper thighs or groin area, neck, or sometimes the face. The spots are flat and may be white, pink, red, tan, or brown, determined by a person’s skin color. Each person’s spots are usually just one color. Besides being spotted, skin may appear to be scaly. Although it’s not the norm, your skin may be itchy, especially when you are hot and sweaty.
Most people who get this rash are in good health. Tinea versicolor groin infections occur more often in teenagers and young adults. However, tinea versicolor is more likely to show up if a person has a suppressed immune system or is experiencing hormonal imbalances. Immunosuppression, which is when the immune system is unable to protect the body from the growth of yeast or fungus on skin or elsewhere, raises the chance of infection. Taking a corticosteroid medication such as prednisone for another health problem is one such instance. It is also more common in women who are taking birth control pills or in expectant mothers.
Tinea versicolor is caused by yeast called Malassezia fur fur that lives in the skin of most adults. Tinea versicolor patches that are brown or reddish-brown disappear almost immediately after treatment. When this condition manifests spots that are lighter than the surrounding skin, it may take as many as several months for overall color to even out. The timing varies but it always eventually does. Tinea versicolor does not leave permanent skin discoloration.
The yeast reacts well to treatment in most people, but the changes in skin color may remain for several months, especially if you have spent time in the sun. While tinea versicolor groin infections are probably only visible to the infected party, wearing a strong sunscreen can minimize the difference in skin color between normal skin and skin discolored by tinea versicolor, as well as taking other precautions against sun exposure. In the summer months in mild climates, the spots may be very noticeable because they don’t tan with the rest of your skin. Tanning will make the condition more obvious, so avoid tanning to keep the change in skin color less noticeable. During the winter, the spots or patches may appear to go away as your tan fades and they become less conspicuous.
