Tinea Versicolor in Dallas, TX

Healthy skin will always have a small amount of yeast living on it, however, it can overgrow (often with heat and sweat) and produce a rash known as tinea versicolor. Also called pityriasis versicolor, this skin condition causes discoloration as lighter and/or darker spots of pigment develop and can sometimes be misdiagnosed as vitiligo.  Dermatologist Dr. Adean Kingston carefully diagnoses and then treats tinea versicolor in her Dallas, Texas office.  If you are concerned that you may have tinea versicolor or another skin condition, schedule a consultation at Adean Kingston, M.D., PLLC. Dr. Kingston is dedicated to providing great skin care to her patients and preventing future outbreaks.

Tinea versicolor occurs when the natural yeast on the skin is overgrown. Some factors that commonly trigger overgrowth are oily skin, frequent sweating, and heat. Therefore, tinea versicolor is more likely to occur in people who live in a hot or humid climate. Teens and young adults are more likely to be affected, as well as athletes and people who have an active lifestyle.

Tinea versicolor may develop anywhere on the skin, but it is most common on the arms, back, chest, and neck. The spots may be white, pink, red, or brown and may be more obvious when you have a tan. The skin may feel dry or scaly, but in most cases, it should not be itchy or painful.

Dr. Kingston can easily diagnose tinea versicolor with a physical examination, and once a diagnosis has been made, treatment options can be discussed.

Treatment of tinea versicolor may vary from topical antifungals to oral medication depending on the severity of your outbreak. Washing your skin thoroughly with a dandruff shampoo such as Selsun Blue can also be helpful. 

It's important to understand that even though the fungus is treated and eliminated, it could take weeks or longer for the skin to appear normal. The discoloration and scaling will eventually fade. Once treated, Dr. Kingston can offer suggestions to prevent reoccurrence. Some tips include using dandruff shampoos as a body wash during hot weather, reducing sun exposure, and wearing loose clothing in breathable fabrics. If you live in a humid environment or you sweat a lot, showering more frequently and staying dry is very helpful to keep the fungus at bay. 

If you notice discolored patches or spots on your skin, it is important to have it assessed by Dr. Kingston. Tinea versicolor generally does not go away on its own but can be effectively treated with oral medications and topical creams. For skin conditions like tinea versicolor and any other skin concerns you may have, schedule a consultation at Adean Kingston, M.D., PLLC in Dallas, Texas.