Tinea versicolor

Lichen versicolor is a fungal disease that occurs in the stratum corneum of the epidermis, the hair cuticle, is infectious in nature, and is not characterized by inflammation of the skin. The chance of infecting other people is very low.

What this disease is and its causes are explained in the video below, in an accessible and understandable form.

The causative agent of the disease

The pathogen that causes tinea versicolor was identified in the late 19th century as Malassezia furfur, a yeast-like microorganism. The fungus affects:

1. stratum corneum of the epidermis;
2. hair follicle bulbs.

Statistics. The fungus Malassezia furfur is diagnosed in young people of both sexes. Ringworm is rare in children under seven years of age.

Symptoms

The disease can occur with different symptoms; therefore, three forms of the disease have been identified:

1. Inverted.
2. Follicular.
3. Erythematosquamous.

The erythematosquamous form is usually diagnosed. The fungus settles in the hair follicles of the fine hair covering human skin. Initially, yellowish formations in the form of dots are noticeable, which grow over time and turn into formations in the form of spots, up to one centimeter in diameter. The spots tend to merge, affecting a large area, which is usually located on the surface of the chest and back. They are less common on the stomach and neck.

The color of ringworm varies from pink to different shades of brown. The disease is characterized by a chronic course. The patient may experience slight itching. Discomfort occurs due to the poor appearance of the skin. The pathogen can be found on the skin of the face, behind the ears, in the groin, and on the pubis.

Need to know. By using the patient’s clothes and sharing a towel with him, a person runs the risk of becoming infected with this type of fungus.

Sunbathing helps get rid of fungus faster. Places of former lesions are not subject to pigmentation under the influence of sunlight. They stand out on tanned skin and look like white spots.

Causes

A fungal infection is not dangerous for a healthy person; his immune system copes well with the pathogens. A weakened body is prone to the onset of disease; exacerbations most often occur with acute respiratory infections, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and hyperhidrosis.

We found out that every third patient diagnosed with lichen versicolor has a chronic infection in the body.

With pathology of the vegetative-vascular system, people suffer from excessive sweating. A humid environment provokes the proliferation of the fungus, and the disease develops acutely. The peak incidence of pityriasis versicolor occurs in the hot summer.

Diagnostics

A dermatologist performs the diagnosis. It applies:

1. alcohol solution of iodine 5%;
2. aniline dyes 1–2%;
3. mercury lamp.

The solution is applied to the skin. Areas affected by fungus become more intensely colored. A mercury lamp is used to illuminate the surface of the skin to identify lesions invisible to the naked eye. The procedure is carried out in a dark room; areas affected by the fungus emit a yellowish light.

Treatment

To prescribe treatment, you need to see a dermatologist, he will determine the type of disease and decide on treatment methods. The patient should definitely consult a doctor. Independent use of drugs leads to the transition of the disease to a chronic form.

Once the diagnosis is established, a weekly course of topical antifungal agents is prescribed:

1. Andriasyan's liquid.
2. salicylic-resorcinol alcohol 5%.
3. Wilkinson's ointment;
4. sulfur ointment 10%;
5. mycozolon.

The next stage is hygienic baths. The patient, while taking a bath, uses a washcloth and soap to remove the upper layers of the affected epidermis, gradually cleansing the entire skin. At the last stage, it is recommended to undergo a course of ultraviolet irradiation.

For information on modern diagnostic methods and treatment options for lichen versicolor, watch the video:

Prevention

Infection in the family

The appearance of a patient diagnosed with pityriasis versicolor in the family means that it is necessary:

1. check everyone for the presence of the pathogen;
2. remove clothing made from artificial materials from use;
3. take a shower and wash in the bathroom more often;
4. fight excessive sweating.

Infection on vacation

When relaxing in the summer, follow simple preventive measures:

1. After swimming, dry completely, only then continue to sunbathe;
2. apply sun protection products to the skin;
3. dry yourself only with your own towel, wash it regularly;
4. take a shower daily.

Relapses

Repeated relapses will occur less frequently if you regularly perform the following procedures:

1. hardening;
2. rubbing with salt water;
3. wiping with water and a small amount of table vinegar;
4. In spring, use salicylic alcohol 2% and wipe the skin with it daily.

Traditional methods

In the fight against versicolor versicolor, folk methods can be useful, here are some of them.

Application of boric acid:

1. 1 glass of boiled water;
2. 1 tsp boric powder.

Mix the ingredients. Use the resulting solution to treat problem areas for ten days.

Application of birch tar:

At night, lubricate all sores with birch tar, and go to bed after it dries. In the morning, take a shower immediately after sleep, preferably a contrast shower, and continue the procedure for five days. If there is no birch tar, you can use tar soap, or shampoo will do.

Application of buckwheat:

1. buckwheat – 1 part;
2. water – 3 parts.

Boil the cereal, drain the resulting broth, and lubricate the affected areas with it.

Using Apple Cider Vinegar.

For seven days, lubricate the sores with apple cider vinegar several times a day. This is a simple but very effective way to defeat the fungus.

We use calendula tincture.

Buy calendula tincture with alcohol at the pharmacy. Mix together:

1. 1 glass of water;
2. 1 tbsp tincture.

Wipe sore areas at least four times a day.

It is not difficult to treat lichen versicolor. Both topical medications and traditional medicine recipes are suitable. The main thing is to consult a doctor as quickly as possible and start treatment.