Prevention
You can follow certain steps to prevent tinea versicolor, especially if you live in or are traveling to an area with a hot or humid climate. These prevention techniques include:7
Wearing loose-fitted clothes
Avoiding the use of oily skincare products
Putting on a broad-spectrum sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun
You can also prevent mild cases of tinea versicolor from becoming severe by:7
Trying shampoos that contain selenium
Using antifungal ointments or creams that contain terbinafine, clotrimazole, or miconazole
Complications
Tinea versicolor is generally not harmful or contagious. But if the infection is left untreated, it can become more severe. Untreated tinea versicolor can lead to long-term skin discoloration that may last for weeks and even months. If you’re experiencing this infection on your scalp, lack of treatment may also increase your risk of hair thinning and hair loss due to excessive itching.6
Living With Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor is easy to treat and does not cause any severe complications. Early diagnosis and treatment can help your skin discoloration return to normal within a few weeks. That’s why it’s so important to talk to your provider if you start noticing changes in your skin. As you treat your infection, it can also help to protect your skin from the sun such as by wearing long-sleeve and loose clothing, sunglasses, or a hat.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Does tinea versicolor ever go away?
Tinea versicolor can sometimes go away with treatment. But if you don’t use proper antifungal treatment, the patches can take several months to return to their normal color. Untreated tinea versicolor can also increase your risk of experiencing repeat infections.
-
Which deficiency causes tinea versicolor?
