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Definition
- Skin infection of teens and adults caused by a fungus
- Tinea versicolor means "ringworm of many colors"
Health Information
Symptoms
- Numerous spots and patches appear on the neck, upper back, and shoulders.
- The spots are covered by a fine scale.
- The spots vary in size.
- In summer, the spots are light and don’t tan like the normal skin.
- In winter as normal skin tone fades, the spots look darker than normal skin. The spots often look pink or brown.
- Itching is uncommon. It’s mainly a cosmetic problem.
Cause
- A fungus called Pityrosporum ovale
Care Advice
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Overview:
- Tinea versicolor is mainly a cosmetic problem.
- It is harmless and can’t spread to others.
- It can be cleared up but it often comes back.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
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Selsun Shampoo:
- Selsun is a nonprescription medicated shampoo for dandruff. It also helps this condition. Also called Selsun Blue shampoo.
- Selsun works because it contains selenium sulfide 1%.
- Apply this shampoo to the affected skin areas. Apply it 2 or 3 inches around the spots. Rub it in and let it dry. Be careful to keep it away from the eyes and genitals. Reason: It’s irritating to these tissues. After 30 minutes, rinse it off with a shower.
- Do this once a day for 7 days.
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Prevention of Recurrent Tinea Versicolor:
- Tinea versicolor tends to recur.
- Prevent this by applying Selsun shampoo on the areas that were affected before.
- Do this once a month for 3 months.
- Leave it on for 8–12 hours (overnight). Shower in the morning.
- If it comes back again, use Selsun every summer once a month. Reason: The fungus thrives in warm weather.
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What to Expect:
- With treatment, in 2 weeks the scaling should be gone. The rash should stop spreading.
- Normal skin color, however, will not return for 6 to 12 months.
- The problem tends to come and go for many years.
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Return to School:
- Your child doesn’t have to miss any school for Tinea versicolor.
- It cannot be spread to others.
- This fungus is found in the hair follicles in many people. Only a few develop the overgrowth of the fungus and a rash.
Call Your Doctor If
- Rash is not improved after 2 weeks on treatment
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Your child becomes worse
Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP
Copyright 2000-2020 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC