Do you have white or red spots on your body that you cannot seem to get to go away? Read this blog post, I am sharing with you My At Home Tinea Versicolor Cure that gets rid of them for good.
In this blog post, I am going to take you through my at home Tinea Versicolor cure. This routine, along with following the advice outlined in this blog post cleared my Tinea Versicolor (those pesky white spots) once and for all.
Please read this blog post in full for best results!
Medical Disclaimer:
This blog post is not intended to replace professional medical care. This is the clearing routine that worked for me! Your results may not be the same, as everyone’s skin is so unique. Always seek out the care of a dermatologist to discuss your skin’s unique needs.
What is Tinea Versicolor?
Tinea Versicolor is a fungal infection that causes discolored patches on the skin that can be white or red. Tinea Versicolor is actually quite common with an average of 200,000 cases in the U.S. each year. (1) These discolored patches are most common on the trunk of the body (chest, back, and shoulders).
Tinea versicolor is caused by an overgrowth of the yeast, Malassezia, on the skin. (2) It most often affects young adults but can affect those of all ages. The condition can be passed down genetically but is in no way contagious. In my case, both my father and I have Tinea Versicolor if not prevented properly.
Treatments such as antifungal creams and shampoos in combination with skin & body care products that do not promote the growth of Malassezia yeast are usually effective for treatment.
Below is a photo of my chest when my Tinea Versicolor was at its worst. This is a good representation of what the skin condition looks likes.
What Causes Tinea Versicolor?
Tinea Versicolor can be caused by oily skin, humid climate, using body/skincare products that promote the growth of the Malassezia yeast, hormone changes, and weakened immune system. (3)
Despite these specific causes, there are individuals with skin types more prone to an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast.
In my case, my tinea versicolor was caused by the body care products I was using. Despite living in a very humid climate, I was still able to fully heal all tinea versicolor breakouts by using an anti-fungal and switching to fatty acid & ester free body care products listed below.
At Home Tinea Versicolor Cure
There are five important things I do to treat and prevent Tinea Versicolor:
1. ) Use an over the counter anti-fungal shampoo. For Tinea Versicolor, I personally used Selsun Blue Medicated Shampoo with 1% Selenium Sulfide to treat my worst breakout of Tinea Versicolor.
2.) Switch to body care products that do not promote the growth of the Malassezia yeast (which leads to Tinea Versicolor). More on this later in the article where I will show you every product I use to prevent the growth of Malassezia yeast on my face and body.
3.) Avoid all oils on body & skincare products except for Squalane and Mineral Oil. Research shows that these oils do not promote the growth of Malassezia yeast on the body.
4.) Minimize sun exposure as much as possible, especially during the healing process. Always wear proper sunscreen when in the sun.
5.) Wear loose and breathable fabrics (cotton, linen, and silk) to create a non-humid environment for the skin to heal in. This step is not 100% critical at all times but I highly recommend this while healing.
How To Use An Over The Counter Anti-Fungal To Treat Tinea Versicolor
To treat active tinea versicolor breakouts I used Selsun Blue Medicated Shampoo nightly in the shower.
For best results, activate the shampoo with water and apply a generous amount to the affected areas. Leave the shampoo on like a mask for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off. Limit use to every other night if you notice skin dryness.
It took over two weeks to start seeing results and another two to three weeks to fully clear the existing breakouts.
The use of Selsun Blue was done in combination with the listed body care products below and eliminating oils from my routine.
Preventing Tinea Versicolor After Skin Has Cleared
After my existing Tinea Versicolor was fully cleared I stopped using Selsun Blue daily and switched to about once a week for maintenance in the beginning.
Now after two years of clearing my worst Tinea Versicolor breakout, I have not had to use any topical anti-fungal and my skin stays clear by using products that do not promote the growth of the yeast on my skin. This is why the next section of the article is SO important for curing and preventing tinea versicolor.
Body Care Products I Use To Prevent Tinea Versicolor
I prefer to keep my body care routine simple. The listed products have 0 ingredients that will contribute to the growth of the Malassezia yeast, making them products safe for tinea versicolor prone skin.
Once your skin is clear of any Tinea Versicolor breakouts, I would not be afraid to use your favorite body wash or bar soap, as long they do not contain large quantities of oils. For example, I love using Dove Bar soap, which is not 100% fungal acne safe. Now that my skin is clear, I have not had any problems with this soap, as it is oil-free and left on my skin for a short amount of time.
As for lotions or any leave-on products, I highly recommend sticking to those that are “fungal acne safe” (meaning, it will not promote the growth of Malassezia yeast) as they will be left on the skin for hours.
Here are the body care products I recommend using while curing and preventing Tinea Versicolor:
- Vanicream Gentle Body Wash
- Neutrogena Body Clear Wash (Excellent if you have body acne.)
- Aveeno Daily Body Lotion (My Favorite for a daily lotion after showers!)
- Cera Ve Moisturizing Cream (Great for face & body!)
Complete Shower Routine That Is Safe For Tinea Versicolor
On my blog, I have written a detailed post on the exact shower routine I follow that is 100% safe for tinea versicolor and fungal acne. On the Radiantly Nourished Blog, anywhere you see “Fungal Acne Safe” means that the recommended products will not promote the growth of Malassezia yeast, making them suitable for Tinea Versicolor prone skin types.
To read be taken to the Complete Shower Routine That Is Safe T.V. Click HERE!
When To See A Dermatologist:
If you do not see results or any improvements in three weeks with daily use of an anti-fungal shampoo and the above-recommended products I highly suggest you set an appointment with a dermatologist.
More serious cases of Tinea Versicolor require prescription oral antifungals or prescription-strength shampoos for treatment. There is also a possibility you misdiagnosed yourself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tinea Versicolor is a common fungus found on the skin that can be caused by climate, skin type, hormones, and particular skincare products that promote the overgrowth of malassezia yeast.
Treatments include over the counter anti-fungal creams and shampoos or prescription-strength antifungals in more severe cases. Other important preventative methods include proper skincare product selection, minimum sun exposure, and wearing breathable clothing.
I hope you found this at home Tinea Versicolor cure helpful and look forward to hearing your feedback and experience in the comments. My Instagram DM is open for feedback and questions as well!
To learn more about the Radiantly Nourished Blog please visit my About Page and consider connecting with me on Instagram and Pinterest.
Don’t Lose This Post! Click PIN IT Down Below & Save It To Your Skincare Board So You Can Always Refer Back!
