If you’re suffering from a case of tinea versicolor, you don’t have to go far for treatment. While severe cases of this skin disease may require prescription medication, most cases can be treated with over-the-counter solutions.
Over the Counter Options for Tinea Versicolor
Store-bought treatments for tinea versicolor come in the form of skin applications such as creams, lotions, soaps, and shampoos that include such ingredients as zinc, pyrithione, selenium sulfide, miconazole, clotrimazole, and terbinafine. WebMD provides a full list of over-the-counter options for treating tinea versicolor.
Each of the treatments come with their own application requirements, healing timetables, and side effects. It’s not uncommon for treatment protocols to require a month of usage to clear up symptoms and another few months of use to prevent symptoms from coming back.
For severe or recurring cases, antifungal pills may be prescribed by a doctor.
Living with Tinea Versicolor
During times of remission, there are some things that you can do to manage your tinea versicolor to limit the chances of it from coming back. These include:
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Avoiding oily skin products
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Wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothes that reduce friction and sweating
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Limiting your exposure to the sun and always wearing a non-greasy sunscreen when you do go out
Tinea Versicolor, also known as pityriasis versicolor, stems from a natural yeast that lives on our skin. When this yeast grows out of control, a rash (tinea versicolor) appears in the form of discolored spots. Tinea versicolor is not contagious and is most common in teens and young adults. It is found most often on the neck, chest, back, and arms, but can appear anywhere on the body. Hot, humid climates or a weakened immune system can exaggerate the rash.
With the right kind of treatment and preventive measures, you can win the fight against tinea versicolor. You can even do it with just over-the-counter medications.
If you think you may have tinea versicolor or have a severe or recurring case, visit your local FastMed to see a medical professional.
About FastMed
FastMed is a leading provider of high-quality, convenient, affordable, and compassionate healthcare in 34 counties across North Carolina. FastMed serves both urban and rural communities across the state with a wide range of care options, including preventive, telemedicine, occupational health, and primary and urgent care. FastMed is one of the few urgent care providers in the nation that has earned The Joint Commission’s coveted Gold Seal of Approval® for quality, safety, and infection control in ambulatory healthcare. For more information, visit www.fastmed.com.