Tinea versicolor
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2008-07-11T15:42:31Z
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{{Infobox_Disease
| Name = Tinea versicolor
| Image =Tinea_versicolor_due_to_Malassezia_furfur_PHIL_2914_lores.jpg
| Width = 250
| Caption =
| DiseasesDB = 10071
| ICD10 = {{ICD10|B|36|0|b|35}}
| ICD9 = {{ICD9|111.0}}
| ICDO =
| OMIM =
| MedlinePlus = 001465
| eMedicineSubj = derm
| eMedicineTopic = 423
| MeshID =
}}
'''[[Tinea]] versicolor''' or '''[[pityriasis]] versicolor''' is a common skin [[infection]] caused by the [[yeast]] ''[[Malassezia furfur]]'' (formerly termed ''Pityrosporum ovale''). This yeast is normally found on the human [[skin]] and only becomes troublesome under certain circumstances, such as a warm and humid environment.
===Symptoms===
The symptoms of this condition include:
* Generally oval or irregularly-shaped spots of 1/4 to 1 inch in diameter, often merging together to form a larger patch
* Occasional fine scaling of the skin producing a very superficial ash-like scale
* Pale, dark tan, or pink in color, with a reddish undertone that can darken when the patient is overheated, such as in a hot shower or during/after exercise
* Sharp border
* Sometimes severe "pin-prick" itching in the affected areas; usually when the person's body temp is elevated due to exercise or a hot/warm environment, but the person hasn't started sweating yet. Once sweating begins the "pin-prick" itching stops.{{fact|date=June 2008}}<!-- dubious, ?OR - needs good 2nd source citation else remove -->
These spots commonly affect the [[back]], [[underarm]], [[upper arm]], [[chest]], lower legs, and [[neck]]. Occasionally it can also be present on the [[face]]. The yeasts can often be seen under the microscope within the lesions and typically have a so called "spaghetti and meat ball appearance" as the round yeasts produce filaments.
In people with dark skin tones, pigmentary changes such as [[hypopigmentation]] (loss of color) are common, while in those with lighter skin color, [[hyperpigmentation]] (increase in skin color) are more common. These discolorations have led to the term "sun fungus".
===Prevalence===
Tinea versicolor is a common condition. It is estimated that 2 to 8% of the population of the [[United States]] has it. This skin disease commonly affects [[adolescent]]s and young adults, especially in warm and humid climates. It is thought that the yeast feeds on skin oils ([[lipids]]) as well as dead skin cells.
[[image:p_versicolorklein.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Tinea Versicolor]]
===Treatment===
Treatments for tinea versicolor include:
* [[Topical]] [[antifungal]] [[medication]]s - containing either 2.5% [[selenium sulfide]] (Selsun shampoo in UK, but not [[Selsun Blue]] which contains only 1%) or 2% [[ketoconazole]] (Nizoral ointment and shampoo) applied to dry skin and washed off after 10 minutes, repeated daily for 2 weeks<ref>http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001465.htm#Treatment</ref>. Other topical antifungal agents such as [[clotrimazole]], [[miconazole]] or [[terbinafine]] are less widely recommended. Additionally, [[hydrogen peroxide]] has been known to lessen symptoms, and on certain occasions, remove the problem.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} Clotrimazole (1%) is also used combined with selenium sulfide (2.5%) (Candid-TV).
* Oral antifungal [[Prescription drug|prescription only medication]]s include 400 mg of [[ketoconazole]] or [[fluconazole]] in a single dose, or ketoconazole 200 mg daily for 7 days, or [[itraconazole]] 400 mg daily for 3-7 days. The single-dose regimens can be made more effective by having the patient exercise 1-2 hours after the dose, to induce sweating. The sweat is allowed to evaporate, and showering is delayed for a day, leaving a film of the medication on the skin. {{Fact|date=February 2007}}
* Recurrence is common and may be reduced by intermittent application of topical agents (such as [[tea tree oil]]) or adding a small amount of anti-dandruff shampoo to water used for bathing.
==External links==
*[http://www.healthinplainenglish.com/health/skin/tinea_versicolor/index.htm Health in Plain English - Tinea versicolor]
*[http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Apr/19/il/FP704190309.html Tinea versicolor is harmless but can recur]
* {{cite journal |author=Damodaran S, Venkataraman S |title=A study on the therapeutic efficacy of Cassia alata, Linn. leaf extract against Pityriasis versicolor |journal=J Ethnopharmacol |volume=42 |issue=1 |pages=19–23 |year=1994 |pmid=8046939 |doi=10.1016/0378-8741(94)90018-3|laysummary=http://curing-fungal.blogspot.com |laysource=Curing Fungal infections of the skin (Superficial Mycoses) with [[Cassia alata]] leaves. By DR.S.Damodaran |laydate=2006-10-01}}
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Mycoses}}
[[Category:Infectious skin diseases]]
[[Category:Fungal diseases]]
[[bn:ছুলি]]
[[de:Pityriasis versicolor]]
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