Pityriasis versicolor. Treatment.
Pityriasis versicolor is a common dermatosis affecting mostly young and middle-aged people. It is characteristic of areas with a tropical and humid climate, and its frequency increases during the summer season. It is also known as tinea versicolor.
Who suffers from pityriasis versicolor?
Pityriasis versicolor is due to increased growth of Malassezia furfur - a yeast that is a normal inhabitant of human skin. Certain factors favor the intensive growth of Malassezia. These include heat, moisture, lack of sunlight. Often the disease becomes active in the warm months, and in the winter it tends to self-heal. Despite its wide distribution, lichen planus occurs significantly more often in certain risk groups:
- people living in hot and humid climates
- in the age group 15-35 years, when the sebaceous glands are most active
- in athletes and professions related to intense sweating
- people with reduced immunity
- diabetics
What are the symptoms of pityriasis versicolor
Symptoms of tinea versicolor most often become visible during the hot months, and as winter approaches, they begin to disappear. The skin of the neck, back and chest is involved. Initially, a small area is affected, but if left untreated, it tends to cover a larger skin surface and spread to the upper limbs, buttocks and the area around the navel.
Spots on the skin with a red border - in the beginning they are small in size, with a rounded shape, clearly limited by the healthy skin. In the active phase of the disease, a reddish edge is observed, on which there may be fine scaling. Left untreated, they tend to increase in size, coalesce and involve new and larger skin surfaces.
White spots on the skin – are due to the azelaic acid released by the mushroom, which blocks the synthesis of melanin. They become more visible after the sea, when the surrounding healthy skin is tanned. These white spots do not darken immediately after exposure to the sun. It takes some time to restore melanin synthesis.
Chronic-relapsing course – характерно за питиризис верзиколор е неговата сезонност. Заболяването става най-активно през топлите месеци, а с наближаване на зимата намалява и дори може да се наблюдава самоизлекуване.
Itching - in most cases the disease is asymptomatic. A small number of patients complain of itching, which becomes more intense when sweating or steaming.
Pityriasis versicolor - pictures
Pictures of pityriasis versicolor are very characteristic. In the specific case, the skin of the neck and back is affected, and small, round white spots on the skin are observed, in places merging with each other in larger plaques.
Pityriasis versicolor - treatment
Treatment of pityriasis versicolor is a complex process that requires time. Most patients who seek help get quick results. Therapy includes treatment of the active infection and prevention of recurrence of the disease. The choice of medication depends on the patient's condition, his habits, the climate of the place of residence and the size of the affected area,
Oral antifungals - a group of medicines that are in the form of capsules or tablets. They have a powerful antifungal effect and lead to a rapid reduction in the population of M. furfur. They are used in patients with reduced immunity, diabetics and when a significant part of the skin surface is involved.
Cream for tinea versicolor – this group includes antifungals in the form of a cream. Most often, those from the azole group are prescribed, and the treatment lasts several weeks. It is used in cases of limited skin involvement.
Shampoo for tinea versicolor – this is an off-label application where the shampoo is used as a shower gel. It is suitable for treating extensive skin areas. It is used both as part of the main and as a maintenance therapy. It can be used for preventive purposes.
Antimycotic alcohol soliution – is an antimycotic agent in alcohol solution. Widely used in the past. Despite its high efficiency, our opinion is that this is not the most optimal therapy because alcohol solutions dry and irritate the skin.
The prognosis of the disease is excellent with proper and timely therapy. Successful treatment of multicolor lichen is observed when the infectious process is stopped, in which the redness and sloughing of the lesions disappear. For the removal of white spots on the skin and restoration of normal pigmentation, several weeks to months are required.
For people from the risk groups, it is necessary to observe a certain hygiene regime and preventive measures - use of cotton clothes, good drying of the skin after a bath, control of diabetes mellitus, if such is present, etc.
Treatment of pityriasis versicolor in Sofia
Correct diagnosis and prompt appointment of therapy lead to excellent results. In clinic Dr. Stavrov Aesthetics diagnoses and treats various skin and venereal diseases. Our address is the city of Sofia, g.k. Manastirski livadi - west, Prof. Velizar Velkov St. 36 (behind Pulse fitness center). See how to find us on the contact page.
FAQ
Is pityriasis versicolor contagious?
Pityriasis versicolor is caused by a yeast that is a normal inhabitant of human skin. Therefore, it is not contagious.
What is the best medicine for pityriasis versicolor?
Active treatment is carried out with a group of agents called antifungals. They inhibit growth and destroy yeast. They are available in the form of capsules, tablets, cream, shampoo. The choice of treatment depends on the patient's condition and the degree of involvement.
What is the prevention of pityriasis versicolor?
It includes drying the skin well after a bath, wearing clothes made of natural materials according to the climatic conditions, controlling diabetes if available, etc.