Tinea versicolor
Why it happens
Pityriasis versicolor is caused bya type of yeast called Malassezia. This yeast is found on the skin of over 90% of adults, where it normally lives without causing any problems.
However, pityriasis versicolor candevelop if this yeast starts to multiply more than usual. Its not clear exactly why this happens in some people and not in others.
Several factors can increase your risk of developing pityriasis versicolor, including:
- living or staying in a warm, moist environment, including the UK, in the summer
- sweating excessively (hyperhidrosis)
- having naturally oily skin
- being a teenager or in your early 20s
Pityriasis versicolor isn't related to poor hygiene. The condition can't be spread from person to person, because most people already have the Malassezia yeast on their skin.
Its estimated that around 1 in every 100 people in the UK has pityriasis versicolor.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Pityriasis versicolor, sometimes called tinea versicolor, is a common condition that causes small patches of skin to become scaly and discoloured.
Why it happens
Pityriasis versicolor is caused bya type of yeast called Malassezia. This yeast is found on the skin of over 90% of adults, where it normally lives without causing any problems. However, pityriasis v
How pityriasis versicolor is treated
Pityriasis versicolor can be treated with antifungal medicines . These are available as shampoos, creams and tablets. Antifungal shampoos Antifungal shampoos(such as ketoconazole or selenium sulphid
Outlook
Overall, antifungal shampoos, creams and tablets are effectivein killing the yeast that causes pityriasis versicolor. However, it can take several weeks or months for your skin to return to its normal
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