How long does pityriasis versicolor last?

With treatment, the fungus usually clears up 1–2 weeks. But the skin patches may stay discolored for weeks or months. To make them less noticeable, it's important to use sunscreen to prevent the skin from tanning or burning.

Can pityriasis versicolor go away on its own?

Tinea versicolor may improve a little in cool or dry weather, but it usually doesn't go away on its own. There are a number of effective treatments. These mainly include creams, lotions and shampoos that contain antifungals (substances that kill the fungus or inhibit its growth).

How long does pityriasis versicolor last?

Can pityriasis versicolor last for years?

For some people, tinea versicolor causes skin discoloration that lasts for months to years. In most cases, this discoloration fades away gradually after treatment is complete.

How can I get rid of pityriasis versicolor fast?

For a mild case of tinea versicolor, you can apply an over-the-counter antifungal lotion, cream, ointment or shampoo. Most fungal infections respond well to these topical agents, which include: Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) cream or lotion. Miconazole (Micaderm) cream.

How do you know if tinea versicolor is healing?

In 2 weeks the scaling should be stopped, and the rash temporarily cured. Normal skin color will not return for 6 to 12 months. Tinea versicolor tends to recur. Prevent this by applying Selsun Blue shampoo on the areas that were affected previously once a month for several years.

Is sun good for pityriasis versicolor?

Sun exposure may make tinea versicolor more apparent. Tinea versicolor, which is also called pityriasis versicolor, is not painful or contagious. But it can lead to emotional distress or self-consciousness. Antifungal creams, lotions or shampoos can help treat tinea versicolor.

Will my skin return to normal after tinea versicolor?

Over time, your skin will return to its usual color. But not everyone chooses to get treatment. You only need to treat the infection if it bothers you or causes problems. Products that you put on your skin (topical treatments) are the most common treatment for tinea versicolor.

What triggers pityriasis versicolor?

Why it happens. Pityriasis versicolor is caused by a type of yeast called Malassezia. This yeast is found on the skin of more than 90 per cent of adults, where it normally lives without causing any problems. But pityriasis versicolor can develop if this yeast starts to multiply more than usual.

Does Sun make tinea versicolor worse?

Sun exposure may make tinea versicolor more apparent. Tinea versicolor, which is also called pityriasis versicolor, is not painful or contagious. But it can lead to emotional distress or self-consciousness. Antifungal creams, lotions or shampoos can help treat tinea versicolor.

How long does it take for skin to return to normal after tinea versicolor?

Treatment kills the fungi quickly. But it can take months for the spots to disappear and for your skin color to return to normal. Also, the infection tends to come back after treatment. It may come and go over the years.

Is sun good for tinea versicolor?

Is tinea versicolor for life?

No wonder the American Academy of Dermatology lists it as one of the most common skin diseases in tropical and sub-tropical areas. Once you've been diagnosed with tinea versicolor, it's not something that can be cured.

Is it normal to have pityriasis versicolor?

Pityriasis versicolor is a common fungal skin infection. It's sometimes also called tinea versicolor. A GP can prescribe treatment for it, but it can keep coming back.

What should I avoid if I have tinea versicolor?

Stop using skin care products that are oily. Wear loose clothes. Protect your skin from the sun.

Does showering help tinea versicolor?

Tinea versicolor is caused by a fungus. This fungus lives all around us, including on the skin. Normally, regular washing and showering removes dead skin and fungi (more than one fungus). But in hot and humid weather, such as during the summer or in tropical areas, fungi may grow more rapidly.

What can make tinea versicolor worse?

What triggers tinea versicolor? Tinea versicolor occurs from an overgrowth of fungus that normally lives on the skin. Factors that contribute to the overgrowth include a humid environment, oily skin, hormonal changes, and a weakened immune system.

What makes tinea versicolor worse?

Tinea versicolor occurs from an overgrowth of fungus that normally lives on the skin. Factors that contribute to the overgrowth include a humid environment, oily skin, hormonal changes, and a weakened immune system.

What happens if tinea versicolor doesn’t go away?

Using antifungal creams, shampoos, soaps, and lotions can stop the fungus overgrowth and get rid of tinea versicolor. If symptoms don't respond to topical treatments, a dermatologist can prescribe an oral antifungal to kill the fungus.