tinea versicolor

[jennifer1]

hi, approximately three years ago when i was 24 i was using a tanning bed frequently (not the stand up version) and i started getting white spots on my back.  i went to my dermatologist who used a uv light and told me it was a fungal infection, i am assuming tinea versicolor due to all the info and pictures i have seen.  my question is, is it possible for me to have gotten it from the tanning bed if it was not wiped down properly.  also, after the appointment he prescribed some type of lotion or shampoo to put on my back for a certain amount of time.  i don't remember what it was because it was three years ago.  i never used it because i didn't have the time and the spots never bothered me. (didn't itch or scale) since then however i have taken oral antibiotics for other things such as a uti, wisdom tooth infection, etc. and the spots have almost gone away over these three years.  my question regarding this is, would the antibiotics have something to do with this, or can it clear up on it's own?  I have also read that it is involved sometimes in immunosupressed individuals and being the neurotic person i am, i was wondering if this is the form in which they would present themselves in that situation or would they be more widespread, not go away etc.  i think you get the point of my questions and i would greatly appreciate it if you could respond to them.  thank you

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Tinea versicolor is a common condition that can be unsightly but lacks all other significance.  More than likely, the fungus lives on everyone, but only becomes visible in some.  Tanning and sunlight highlights the condition but doesn't cause it.  The condition isn't contagious, so you can't ge it from a tanning bed, etc.  No need to worry about immunosuppression if you are generally healthy otherwise--tinea is so common, I'm not sure why anyone would write that.

The color change fades slowly.  The antibiotics I'm sure had nothing to do with it.

If you get new spots, the faster you treat them, the faster they'll fade.  Oral treatments are a lot simpler (a couple of doses) and more thorough than topical shampoo.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[Vinny25]

In the discussion about tinea versicolor between Jennifer1 and Dr. Rockoff, the the Doctor stated that "oral treatments are a lot simpler (a couple of doses) and more thorough than topical shampoo."  I was wondering if anyone knows what type of oral treatments that the Doctor is referring to.  Is it prescription or over-the-counter?  

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Ketoconazole or itraconzaole.  Prescription required.

Dr. Rockoff

[Vinny25]

Thank you Dr. Rockoff for that information.  I had been using the prescribed lotion and Selson Blue Shampoo, and it seems to clear up the tinea for only a few months.  I have heard that tinea versicolor thrives in heat, and it breaks out on me pretty bad in the summer and seems to clear up on its own during the winter.  Will the oral treatments cure it completely or will I have to take the medicine on a regular/ yearly basis.

Thank you for advice

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

It seems that the fungus lives on everyone, but only becomes visible in some people.  Oral treatments are much simpler and easier, but people need to repeat them every couple of years.

Dr. Rockoff

[crap]

Try glycerine for a fungal infection. Take it by mouth or spread it on the skin.