Tinea Versicolor

Years ago I was diagnosed with tinea versicolor.  Is there any way to eliminate this skin condition?  Obviously with the summer around the corner, it tends to irritate it more because of the heat and sweat.  I get the red inflammations anywhere sweat occurs.  Have tried many meds but the one that seems to have helped somewhat is lamisil spray which has some antifungal ingredient.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Pityriasis versicolor (Tinea veriscolor) is a fungal infection caused by commensal yeasts in hot and humid conditions. 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.

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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.