Tinea Versicolor

[EMacka]

I was diagnosed with Tinea Versicolor a few months ago and have a question about itchiness. I have a small brown patch of Tinea Versicolor in my lower back but no other signs of the rash. When I sweat, I have a severe itch that can take place on any part of my upper body - neck, chest, back, or stomach. The itchiness does not usually take place where there is a sign of a rash and it is not always in the same place. Is it normal for someone with Tinea Versicolor to experience itchiness where there is no sign of a rash or could it be a symptom of another problem? Also, how severe should the itchiness be in patients with this problem? I've tried Selsun Blue and Spectazole and have not had much luck in alleviating the problem.

[eatacchiquita]

Tinea Versicolor is very stubborn, unsightly and uncomfortable.

[enoughTV]

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[mexerican5]

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[flybynight83]

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[eatacchiquita]

I have been diagnosed with Tinea Versicolor.  I first noticed a small scaley patch on my lower abdomen about 20 months ago.  It got worse periodically and I sought treatment about a year later. I was given an injection and topical prescriptions and the entire rash disappeared.  About a month later it was back in full force.  Now I am seeing the Dr. on a regular basis and have tried several combinations of medications.  Ketoconazoles, Selenium Sulfide, Lamisil, Mentax, and a couple others.  I notice when I'm taking Lamisil tablets, the rash subsides considerably and the topical treatments do not work as effectively.  I am very concerned about the potential affects that Lamisil may have on the liver.  Does that danger exists even after the medication is discontinued, or is there still concern.  I would like to use only topical solutions if there is something to at least keep the spread and itch under control.  I suffer with a rash spreading over both sides of the trunck of my body and chest, breasts, upper arms, a small spot on my back and the outer canthus of both eyes.  Is there anything on the market BETTER as a topical antifungal agent??

[smh]

My son has had this fungal infection for most of his life, and now I have it. He has been to several doctors, and we have tried the selsum blue many times, with no improvement. Is there a medication that can be taken orally to kill the fungus? What other remedies are there?

[BlondeAli]

Can a female get a vaginal yeast infection if she has contact with some one who has tinus versicolor?

[sblongboarding]

I was diagnosed with Tinea Versicolor about 6 years ago.  My doctor (at that time) did a scrape of the skin and verified the presence of the fungus. I initially tried selenium sulfide lotion on the body.  After many treatments, I saw no improvement and was confused cause during the summer, the discoloration of the skin would minimize due to the exposure to the sun.  However, after I saw no improvement, I went to a different doctor, and we tried a different treatment, taking nizoral orally and using the shampoo.  That didn't help as well and years later, and three dermatologist later, I'm still in the same mess.  I still use Selenium sulfide but don't see an end to the mess.  My mother has small blotches as well as my brother.  All doctors are sure of the diagnosis...I'm not sure since nothing helps.  However, when I read about tinea versicolor and its symptons, it sounds exactly like what I have. Mostly circular, white blotches, appearing on the chest and back, all about the size of an M&M...

Do I continue treatment of the sulfide solution, or should I try something else????

Thanks for your help???

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

No, tinea versicolor doesn't itch.  Many people itch on the chest and back, in areas that tinea versicolor affects, but the fungus and the symptom are not related.  As for the diagnosis itself, it would be pretty unsual to get just one spot on the lower back, and for it not to respond to the treatment you've used.  Maybe it's really eczema.  For the diagnosis and to treat the itch, you ought to see a skin doctor.  Nothing serious, but you should be looked at.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff