With the changing of seasons comes new weather, fluctuations in humidity, and allergies galore! This is why it’s no surprise that we see different changes in the skin as well. Anything for the snow to melt though, am I right?
So many of these springtime skin issues can be easily remedied with drugstore or over-the-counter products, but as always, if you’re unsure about what’s happening to your skin make sure to see your board-certified dermatologist.
There’s one skin condition that I see all the time in my practice during the spring months time and time again. And although it’s not a concerning skin issue for most, the irritation can be problem some. This springtime rash is called Tinea Versicolor.
WHAT IS TINEA VERSICOLOR?
Tinea Versicolor is a common fungal infection that is caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin. Because of the irritation, Tinea Versicolor tends to show up as a red to pink splotchy rash that forms on the chest, back, abdomen, and sometimes even the neck, thighs, and arms.
Tinea Versicolor can show up on really any skin type but you generally see the rash form when there’s a change in weather and as temperatures start to rise. Additionally, if you live in a more tropical climate you tend to be more prone to this rash.
Generally, Tinea Versicolor isn’t dangerous and at most just causes itching and irritation. This springtime rash is usually easily treated with products you can purchase at the drugstore.
CHARACTERISTICS OF TINEA VERSICOLOR
- Itching
- Residual white/light spots on your skin
- Splotchy skin discoloration, red and pink in color
- Rash on the chest, back, abdomen, and sometimes even the neck, thighs, and arms
- Possible scaling
- Lack of coloration when the rest of the skin gets darker/tanner
WHAT TO USE FOR TINEA VERSICOLOR
Since Tinea Versicolor is a fungal skin condition, using anti-fungal products is the easiest remedy to help the rash. Here are my favorite products to use on these Tinea Versicolor patches:
- Anti-Dandruff shampoos with ketoconazole and/or selenium sulfide as the active ingredient. My favorites include Nizoral and Selsun Blue.
- Miconazole treatment creams such as Monistat.
- Athlete’s foot treatment creams such as Lamisil AT.
Application tip: Most people apply the shampoos/creams and then make the mistake of washing them off too soon. Apply the solution like you would a body wash and then leave the products on for at least 5 to 10 minutes before you rinse it off.
Here’s to hoping you avoid Tinea Versicolr this spring, but if you do, use these tips to get relief soon!
Dr. Angela Brimhall
Board Certified Dermatologist
Board Certified Mohs Surgeon
Dr. Angela Brimhall, TheHolisticDerm, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon offering skin education and advice that she has learned over the past 15 years of treating patients and helping them with their most common problems, diseases, concerns, skin cancer, and other life-altering skin conditions. She has filtered through and applied what really works to her own life and the lives of her patients and created this space to share what she has learned with you. Dr. Angela Brimhall lives and practices dermatology and Mohs micrographic surgery in Salt Lake City, Utah.
