This is typically seen in adolescents and young adults as light spots on the skin.
There is easy flaking.
The rash occurs mostly on the upper back and chest, but also further down the body and on the shoulders, arms and neck/neck.
Some may also have darker or pink areas of the skin.
The spot usually becomes easier to see when the surrounding skin turns tan, which is why many people have the most obvious rash in the summer.
It usually causes little itching or other discomfort.
In a person, there may be a couple of spots of ½-3 cm, or the person may be covered by the spots on large parts of the body.
Sometimes the disease vitiligo can resemble the fungal infection.
Most of us have a yeast (Malassezia) on our skin as part of the normal flora.
In some people it thrives better and there will be more of it.
The fungus lives at the very end of the epidermis, and does not cause disease deeper in the body.
Sweat and heat predispose to the fungal infection.
The diagnosis is usually made by a GP or dermatologist.
It is possible to take samples to confirm the diagnosis, which can be done in case of doubt.
There are several possible treatments with antifungal agents applied to the skin, such as ketoconazole or selenium sulphide.
Tablet treatment is rarely recommended.
After effective treatment, there should be less flaking, but it may take several months before the skin color becomes even and normal again.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
