TInea Versicolor and Sun

Hi,

I am living in Mexico and recently discovered that I have Tinea Versicolor. At first, I just thought the white spots were the result of sun damage, but when they spread, I realized something else was going on. I treated it for two weeks with Selsun Orange (2.5%), applying it and letting it dry for 30 minutes before washing it off every day. I also applied Lotrimin twice a day. After the two weeks, I feared I needed something stronger and started using Nizoral cream once a day. I have been doing that for a few days now.

How long do I need to treat this? What visible signs are there that the fungus is dead? When can I go back into the sun? I really want to even out my skin tone. I feel very embarrassed and it's depressing.

Any experience with this? I appreciate any advice you may have. I don't have access to many doctors and am trying to research this online.

Thanks!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Pityriasis versicolor (Tinea veriscolor) is a fungal infection caused by commensal yeasts in hot and humid conditions. They may be reddish brown, slightly scaly patches or ugly, depigmented areas that will not tan, especially in suntanned skin.

Selenium sulphide lotion can be applied for around 10-15 minutes, rinsed off and re-applied daily for about a week. It is less messy and preferably easy to use than the Selsun and Ketoconazole shampoos which needs to applied on the patches of affected skin after an evening bath, left to dry the whole night and washed off the next morning. Please remember that the patches will take a long time to disappear and the treatment does not equate with disappearance.


It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.