Tinea versicolor, a yeast infection, affects the skin. Normally, yeast resides in the pores of the skin. However, when there is over-accumulation of yeast in the pores, it can lead to a fungal infection.


  This results in uneven skin color, scaling, and itching. Usually tinea versicolor develops in oily areas of the body like the neck, back, or chest.

Tinea versicolor appears as dark spots on light skin and white or pink spots on dark skin.


  There are very few obvious symptoms of tinea versicolor, except perhaps a slight itching in hot conditions. This condition affects individuals with oily skin more than those with dry skin. This condition is also more common in places of high humidity.

Treatment for tinea versicolor. With any skin ailment, the best thing to do is consult a dermatologist; so too is the case with tinea versicolor. A dermatologist will suggest a treatment depending upon the conditions the patient is exposed to as well as the severity of the condition.

Tinea versicolor cure could be oral medications prescribed by the dermatologist. It could sometimes be just specific shampoos, lotions or soaps which contain chemicals and minerals to eliminate tinea versicolor, or if the condition is not too severe and only acts up in summer, then a prescribed medicinal cleanser will also do to keep the condition in check. Some topical agents that help alleviate the condition include sodium sulfacetamide, azole, selenium sulfide and ciclopiroxolamine as well as allylamine antifungals.

In case of tinea versicolor it's important to note that the yeast overgrowth can be eliminated quickly, but that will not transform the skin color overnight. It will still take a while before the skin regains its usual color.  Tenia versicolor, though, is a benign condition.

The medication prescribed will also depend upon the age and general health of the affected individual. Dermatologists also take into account the patient's medical history. Being a fungal infection, you can apply an over the counter antifungal cream in the infected area. If you do have tinea versicolor then it's useful to have a bath daily, even twice a day as this will eliminate dead cells as well as fungus from the skin.

In addition to this, there are also certain home remedies that one could try for preventions and/or cure of tinea versicolor. Here are some tinea versicolor natural treatments.

• Fermented foods or foods with lactic acids like yoghurt help contain the condition. These foods maintain bacteria level in the body thereby preventing the infection from spreading to other parts of the body

• Whole grains, vegetables and fruits, that too raw, assist in strengthening one's immune system and provide antioxidants. These prove useful in preventing the condition from recurring.

• Garlic is also a good antifungal agent and should be included in the diet. In fact if you can stomach it, you should eat a clove or two raw. Also, if you have a sweet tooth, then it's time to curb it as sugar could aggravate the condition.

• Tinea versicolor is a condition than can recur, so you need to ensure that you keep your skin as dry as possible.

Tinea versicolor is best treated with topical and oral medications. Naturally, oral treatments are more popular as they are more convenient. However, neither treatment can eliminate the possibility of recurrence.