Tinea Versicolor Fungus
A common fungal infection of the skin is tinea versicolor fungus, also called pityriasis versicolor. Tinea versicolor is a type of infection that appears as a paper-thin layer of fungus on your skin. Small discolored patches are the outcome when the fungus interferes with the normal pigmentation of the skin. There are various treatments but even after successful treatment, skin color may remain irregular for several weeks until re-pigmentation takes place. Tinea versicolor may also reappear, especially in high humidity and warm weather. It often recurs after treatment, but normally not right away, so that treatment needs to be repeated only every year or two. The tinea versicolor fungus is part of the normal adult skin so this condition is not contagious.
Normal healthy skin may have the fungus that produces this disorder growing in its pores which are the opening of the hair follicles. Tinea versicolor fungus occurs when the fungus becomes overgrown. Factors that can cause the fungus to become more noticeable include high humidity and immune or hormone abnormalities, which are triggers like excessive perspiration and oily skin. Although the discoloration may be more visible on dark skin, anyone regardless of skin color can be affected by the rash.
The term versicolor refers to the fact that it triggers the affected skin to change color and become either lighter or darker than the skin around it. The most common areas it affects are the shoulders, back, and chest. Sometimes, it can affect creases of skin, such as the crook of the arm, the skin under the breasts, or the groin area. The face is usually not affected, although children can get it there in some cases.
The signs and symptoms of tinea versicolor fungus to look for are small scaly patches of discolored skin, patches that increase slowly, areas that become more noticeable after sun exposure, and possibly mild itching. The patchy areas can be various colors, including white, pink, tan and dark brown.
Though the fungal infection often returns within one to two years, tinea versicolor fungus does not leave permanent skin discoloration. Some doctors believe the culprit for recurring infection to be fungi that remain in clothing causing the infection to return. Normal washing and cleaning is usually effective in eliminating fungi from clothes. Dry-clean clothes or washing them in the hottest possible water may be needed for persistent reoccurring tinea versicolor fungus.
Tinea Versicolor Ringworm
Tinea versicolor ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin in humans and domestic animals such as sheep and cattle. Fungi are organisms that live by eating plant or animal material. Those that cause parasitic infection feed on keratin, the material found in the outer layer of skin, hair, and nails. These fungi flourish best on moist, warm skin. This condition has been prevalent since before 1906. Ringworm was treated with compounds of mercury at that time. Hairy areas of skin were often considered too difficult to treat, so the scalp was treated with x-rays. That procedure was then followed up with antiparasitic medication.
Recent estimates show up to twenty percent of the population is infected by ringworm or one of the other dermatophytoses. It is very common among people who play sports, particularly wrestling. Misdiagnosis and treatment of ringworm with a topical steroid can result in tinea incognito, a circumstance where ringworm fungus will grow without the usual typical features like a distinctive raised border.
Tinea versicolor ringworm is often confused with other common rashes. It is also known as pityriasis versicolor. The following rashes can be easily confused with tinea versicolor are Vitiligo, Pityriasis alba, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Syphilis, Pityriasis Rosea, Nummular eczema, and Guttate psoriasis.
Tinea versicolor can occur at any age, but is most prevalent in adolescence and early adulthood. This is a time when the sebaceous glands are more active. It is also more common in tropical and semi-tropical climates. Tinea versicolor has a recurrence rate of 80% after two years.
Pityrosporum orbiculare and Pityrosporum ovale, are the yeasts that are a part of the common skin flora. They dwell in the stratum corneum and hair follicles and have an attraction for oil glands. Certain factors can trigger these yeasts to convert to a pathogenic form known as Malassezia furfur, which produces the rash of tinea versicolor. Predisposing factors include:
• Cushing’s disease
• Removal of the adrenal gland
• Pregnancy
• Malnutrition
• Burns
• Steroid therapy
• Suppressed immune system
• Oral contraceptives
• Excess heat
• Excess humidity
Three different tests for tinea versicolor are used in diagnosis of the infection. They are:
• A KOH test shows a characteristic “spaghetti and meatballs” appearance under the microscope.
• Under a Wood’s light examination, the yeast appears pale yellow.
• A fungal culture can be performed after adding oil to the culture medium, but it is rarely necessary.
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.
