Tinea versicolor is a type of skin infection that is primarily characterized by spots or patches that are either lighter or darker than the skin around them. No, you don’t get the condition from someone because yeast responsible for the infection is naturally found on your skin. They’re constantly there, but they may multiply uncontrollably and cause tinea versicolor.
Also sometimes referred to as pityriasis versicolor, this skin infection can happen due to various reasons. Some of them include:
- Having a weakened immune system
- Sweating a lot
- Residing where the climate is hot
- Having excessively oily skin
The spots or patches tend to be lighter than the color of skin surrounding them because yeast responsible for the infection tends to produce some form of acid. However, it’s possible for someone with tinea versicolor to develop rash which is darker than the skin color. The appearance of the spots and patches tend to worsen during hot days, and they tend to disappear when the weather is cooler.
Limiting sun exposure is highly recommended. That’s because the rash resulting from the condition do not tan just like the rest of the skin. Although uncommon, it’s possible for the spots or patches to itch or even hurt. The rash may appear practically anywhere on the body, but it usually shows up on the neck, arms, chest and back.
Medical treatments for tinea versicolor include topically applied antifungal remedies in the form of creams, lotions, soaps and shampoos. A doctor may also recommend pills that help keep in check the yeast causing the skin infection. Even after getting the yeast controlled, the rash may stay around for several months.
Home Remedies for Tinea Versicolor
Aside from the application or oral intake of antifungal solutions, there are a handful of home remedies for tinea versicolor. Some of the best ones are the following:
- It’s no secret that yogurt contains billions of friendly microorganisms that keep in check bad microorganisms, such as yeast responsible for tinea versicolor. The simple application of yogurt on the rash can work wonders. Consume the rest to help bolster your immune system. Make sure that you go for plain yogurt because sugar will only feed yeast.
- Apple cider vinegar. Thanks to the antifungal properties of apple cider vinegar, you may use it as a highly effective home remedy for tinea versicolor. Add about a bowl of it to your bath water and soak in there for several minutes. You may also combine equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water, and apply the mixture on the affected areas using a cotton ball.
- Tea tree oil. No list of home remedies for various skin infections would be complete without tee tree oil in it. This doesn’t come as a surprise as tea tree oil is a very potent antifungal from nature. So powerful that you have to dilute 5 to 7 drops of it to a tablespoon of olive oil before daubing on those unsightly spots or patches.
- Coconut oil. This home remedy for tinea versicolor is both effective and yummy-smelling. Simply apply thinly on skin areas affected by the condition and allow coconut oil to stay there until it’s dry to give it enough time to kill off yeast.
- Aloe vera. Another staple entry in the list of home remedies for various skin problems is aloe vera. The gel inside the leaves of the plant not only kills yeast, but it also accelerates the healing of the affected skin areas. Simply break off a leaf and rub the gel directly on the rash. Do this up to 3 times daily for several weeks.
- Other than making all sorts of dishes smell and taste phenomenal, garlic also helps deal with tinea versicolor because it’s a good yeast fighter. Crush a clove of garlic very well and apply the juice on the spots or patches. You may feel some stinging sensation but it will soon go away. Rinse after about 20 minutes. It’s also a good idea to consume 2 to 3 cloves of raw garlic daily to attain tinea versicolor relief from the inside out.
- Because you can easily buy turmeric powder at the local supermarket, this home remedy provides quick and convenient relief from tinea versicolor. Simply add a few drops of water to turmeric powder. Apply the resulting paste on the rash. After 30 minutes, rinse thoroughly with water.
