Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Tinea Versicolor?OTC OptionsTopical PrescriptionsOral AntifungalsHome RemediesTinea ShampoosTreatment Cost
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Tinea Versicolor?
OTC Options
Topical Prescriptions
Oral Antifungals
Home Remedies
Tinea Shampoos
Treatment Cost
Tinea versicolortreatment can include topical over-the-counter (OTC) anti-fungal medications, prescription anti-fungal creams, and oral medications. Typically, the condition won’t lead to serious issues if untreated. Tinea versicolor medication can help improve the patches of discolored skin and symptoms like itching.
Tinea versicoloris a yeast-like fungal infection of the skin. It is also known aspityriasisversicolor. The condition is neither contagious nor dangerous, but it can be persistent, recurring, and bothersome. Some people may need to use a tinea versicolor treatment every month to keep it at bay.
This article discusses types of tinea versicolor treatments, including home remedies, and when each is used.
Verywell / JR Bee
Tinea versicolor isn’t dangerous or contagious, but other tinea infections can be. These includetinea corporisandtinea capitis.
A tinea versicolor infection produces a characteristic rash on the torso and shoulders. The discolored patches can appear lighter or darker than the surrounding skin and are made up of either flat skin lesions (macules) or raisedplaques. These are more noticeable on tanned skin.
Some people report itching with tinea versicolor, though this does not happen for everyone.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoPityriasis versicolor white.DermNet NZ/CC BY-NC-ND
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
DermNet NZ/CC BY-NC-ND
Pityriasis versicolor pink.DermNet NZ/CC BY-NC-ND
Pityriasis versicolor brown.DermNet NZ/CC BY-NC-ND
OTC Tinea Versicolor Creams and Washes
Over-the-counter topical antifungal medications are usually effective in the early stages or first occurrence of the infection.
OTC anti-fungal treatments for tinea versicolor include:
Antifungal washes including zinc pyrithione soap, sulfur salicylic acid shampoo, and Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide) shampoo are also used to treat mild cases of tinea versicolor. These remedies can cause skin irritation and should be tested on a small patch of skin.
How Long Does It Take for Tinea Versicolor Treatment to Work?The tinea versicolor fungus typically clears up within one to two weeks after you begin treatment. However, the discoloration can persist for much longer. You can expect the discolored patches to gradually fade over time until they are no longer noticeable. It may take months for skin tone to return to normal.
How Long Does It Take for Tinea Versicolor Treatment to Work?
The tinea versicolor fungus typically clears up within one to two weeks after you begin treatment. However, the discoloration can persist for much longer. You can expect the discolored patches to gradually fade over time until they are no longer noticeable. It may take months for skin tone to return to normal.
Prescription Tinea Versicolor Medication
If OTC remedies don’t clear up the rash, your healthcare provider can prescribe a topical antifungal medication. The most effective prescription antifungals for tinea versicolor include:
What Makes Tinea Versicolor Hard to Treat?Some people experience chronic forms of tinea versicolor. For example, a year-long study of 102 people with the condition found roughly half had between one and four relapse episodes, and 14.7% had more than four. A family history may contribute to longer episodes of the condition.Research suggests there also may be a link withHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection in some people with recurring cases.
What Makes Tinea Versicolor Hard to Treat?
Some people experience chronic forms of tinea versicolor. For example, a year-long study of 102 people with the condition found roughly half had between one and four relapse episodes, and 14.7% had more than four. A family history may contribute to longer episodes of the condition.Research suggests there also may be a link withHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection in some people with recurring cases.
Everything You Need to Know About H. Pylori Infection
Tinea Versicolor Pills
Tinea versicolor lives in the top layer of skin (epidermis) and usually responds to topical antifungal medications. However, more often than not, the rash returns. The goal is to manage the yeast population, which requires constant maintenance when conditions for overgrowth are present.
Oral antifungal pills can be used for harder-to-treat cases. Diflucan (fluconazole) is an oral antifungal that is effective against tinea versicolor.
Side effects of oral antifungal medications include nausea and reversible liver damage. However, the course of treatment is usually short and these side effects are not common.
Tinea Versicolor Home Treatment
Antifungal medications are the best treatments for tinea versicolor, but some people prefer to try home remedies. It won’t hurt to try these remedies but it’s important to keep in mind that there isn’t strong evidence to support their effectiveness.
Ongoing Tinea Versicolor Shampoos
Once successfully treated, tinea versicolor has a high rate of recurrence.Many people require ongoing maintenance treatments to keep the fungal infection in check.
Usingdandruff shampoosas a body wash is a common, low-cost solution. Shampoos that have been shown to be effective as treatments for tinea versicolor include:
If these remedies cause skin irritation, talk to your healthcare provider about other preventive options.
Tinea Versicolor Treatment Cost
The cost of tinea versicolor treatments will depend on the product, and whether you’re using an OTC medication or need a prescription. An effective topical antifungal is less costly than a more expensive oral (systemic) antifungal.For example, an OTC selenium sulfide product is less expensive than an oral fluconazole.
Some clotrimazole creams cost as little as $6 per tube, while a 200-gram jar of Terrasil Tinea Max can reach $100 online. Reviews for top-performing products list most prices at $20 to $50 (the price of the Naturasil brand), though coupons and special deals may reduce the cost.
For prescription tinea versicolor medication, check with your insurance provider to see what coverage is available. Your healthcare provider also may be able to help with samples or special deals.
Summary
If you suspect you have tinea versicolor, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options. Tinea versicolor treatment is usually based on the extent of your rash, how long you’ve had it, and if it is your first rash or a recurrence.
Tinea versicolor usually responds well to topical treatments but more stubborn cases may require prescription antifungal pills. Maintenance treatments may be needed to prevent recurrences. Some people have success using dandruff shampoos to treat tinea versicolor and prevent a recurrence.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Gupta AK, Foley KA.Antifungal treatment for pityriasis versicolor.J Fungi. 2015;1(1):13-29. doi:10.3390/jof1010013Thayikkannu AB, Kindo AJ, Veeraraghavan M.Malassezia-can it be ignored?Indian J Dermatol. 2015;60(4):332-9. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.160475Bamford JTM, Flores‐Genuino RNS, Ray S, et al.Interventions for the treatment of pityriasis versicolor.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;2018(6):CD011208. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011208.pub2American Academy of Dermatology Association.Tinea versicolor: diagnosis and treatment.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Tinea versicolor.Gupta AK, Lyons DC.Pityriasis versicolor: an update on pharmacological treatment options.Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2014;15(12):1707-13. doi:10.1517/14656566.2014.931373Leung AK, Barankin B, Lam JM, Leong KF, Hon KL.Tinea versicolor: an updated review.Drugs Context. 2022 Nov 14;11:2022-9-2. doi:10.7573/dic.2022-9-2.Kutlu Ö, Doğan Z, Ekşioğlu HM, Kekilli M.Relationship between helicobacter pylori infection and pityriasis versicolor: can helicobacter pylori infection be a new etiologic factor for pityriasis versicolor?Turk J Med Sci. 2020 Jun 23;50(4):771-775. doi:10.3906/sag-1910-48.Almirañez JE, Almonte SH, Alvarez AD, Alvero E, Alviz C, Alzate Z,et al.Efficacy of apple cider vinegar as an adjunct to 2% ketoconazole shampoo in the treatment of tinea versicolor: a randomized controlled trial.UERM Health Sci J. 2015;4.Israili ZH.Antimicrobial properties of honey.Am J Ther.2014;21(4):304-23. doi:10.1097/MJT.0b013e318293b09bFozouni L, Taghizadeh F, Kiaei E.Anti-microbial effect of aloe vera extract on clotrimazole-resistant malassezia furfur strains isolated from patients with seborrheic dermatitis in the city of Sari.Ann Mil Health Sci Res. 2018;16(2):e82841. doi:10.5812/amh.82841
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Gupta AK, Foley KA.Antifungal treatment for pityriasis versicolor.J Fungi. 2015;1(1):13-29. doi:10.3390/jof1010013Thayikkannu AB, Kindo AJ, Veeraraghavan M.Malassezia-can it be ignored?Indian J Dermatol. 2015;60(4):332-9. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.160475Bamford JTM, Flores‐Genuino RNS, Ray S, et al.Interventions for the treatment of pityriasis versicolor.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;2018(6):CD011208. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011208.pub2American Academy of Dermatology Association.Tinea versicolor: diagnosis and treatment.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Tinea versicolor.Gupta AK, Lyons DC.Pityriasis versicolor: an update on pharmacological treatment options.Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2014;15(12):1707-13. doi:10.1517/14656566.2014.931373Leung AK, Barankin B, Lam JM, Leong KF, Hon KL.Tinea versicolor: an updated review.Drugs Context. 2022 Nov 14;11:2022-9-2. doi:10.7573/dic.2022-9-2.Kutlu Ö, Doğan Z, Ekşioğlu HM, Kekilli M.Relationship between helicobacter pylori infection and pityriasis versicolor: can helicobacter pylori infection be a new etiologic factor for pityriasis versicolor?Turk J Med Sci. 2020 Jun 23;50(4):771-775. doi:10.3906/sag-1910-48.Almirañez JE, Almonte SH, Alvarez AD, Alvero E, Alviz C, Alzate Z,et al.Efficacy of apple cider vinegar as an adjunct to 2% ketoconazole shampoo in the treatment of tinea versicolor: a randomized controlled trial.UERM Health Sci J. 2015;4.Israili ZH.Antimicrobial properties of honey.Am J Ther.2014;21(4):304-23. doi:10.1097/MJT.0b013e318293b09bFozouni L, Taghizadeh F, Kiaei E.Anti-microbial effect of aloe vera extract on clotrimazole-resistant malassezia furfur strains isolated from patients with seborrheic dermatitis in the city of Sari.Ann Mil Health Sci Res. 2018;16(2):e82841. doi:10.5812/amh.82841
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Gupta AK, Foley KA.Antifungal treatment for pityriasis versicolor.J Fungi. 2015;1(1):13-29. doi:10.3390/jof1010013Thayikkannu AB, Kindo AJ, Veeraraghavan M.Malassezia-can it be ignored?Indian J Dermatol. 2015;60(4):332-9. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.160475Bamford JTM, Flores‐Genuino RNS, Ray S, et al.Interventions for the treatment of pityriasis versicolor.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;2018(6):CD011208. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011208.pub2American Academy of Dermatology Association.Tinea versicolor: diagnosis and treatment.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Tinea versicolor.Gupta AK, Lyons DC.Pityriasis versicolor: an update on pharmacological treatment options.Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2014;15(12):1707-13. doi:10.1517/14656566.2014.931373Leung AK, Barankin B, Lam JM, Leong KF, Hon KL.Tinea versicolor: an updated review.Drugs Context. 2022 Nov 14;11:2022-9-2. doi:10.7573/dic.2022-9-2.Kutlu Ö, Doğan Z, Ekşioğlu HM, Kekilli M.Relationship between helicobacter pylori infection and pityriasis versicolor: can helicobacter pylori infection be a new etiologic factor for pityriasis versicolor?Turk J Med Sci. 2020 Jun 23;50(4):771-775. doi:10.3906/sag-1910-48.Almirañez JE, Almonte SH, Alvarez AD, Alvero E, Alviz C, Alzate Z,et al.Efficacy of apple cider vinegar as an adjunct to 2% ketoconazole shampoo in the treatment of tinea versicolor: a randomized controlled trial.UERM Health Sci J. 2015;4.Israili ZH.Antimicrobial properties of honey.Am J Ther.2014;21(4):304-23. doi:10.1097/MJT.0b013e318293b09bFozouni L, Taghizadeh F, Kiaei E.Anti-microbial effect of aloe vera extract on clotrimazole-resistant malassezia furfur strains isolated from patients with seborrheic dermatitis in the city of Sari.Ann Mil Health Sci Res. 2018;16(2):e82841. doi:10.5812/amh.82841
Gupta AK, Foley KA.Antifungal treatment for pityriasis versicolor.J Fungi. 2015;1(1):13-29. doi:10.3390/jof1010013
Thayikkannu AB, Kindo AJ, Veeraraghavan M.Malassezia-can it be ignored?Indian J Dermatol. 2015;60(4):332-9. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.160475
Bamford JTM, Flores‐Genuino RNS, Ray S, et al.Interventions for the treatment of pityriasis versicolor.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;2018(6):CD011208. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011208.pub2
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Tinea versicolor: diagnosis and treatment.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Tinea versicolor.
Gupta AK, Lyons DC.Pityriasis versicolor: an update on pharmacological treatment options.Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2014;15(12):1707-13. doi:10.1517/14656566.2014.931373
Leung AK, Barankin B, Lam JM, Leong KF, Hon KL.Tinea versicolor: an updated review.Drugs Context. 2022 Nov 14;11:2022-9-2. doi:10.7573/dic.2022-9-2.
Kutlu Ö, Doğan Z, Ekşioğlu HM, Kekilli M.Relationship between helicobacter pylori infection and pityriasis versicolor: can helicobacter pylori infection be a new etiologic factor for pityriasis versicolor?Turk J Med Sci. 2020 Jun 23;50(4):771-775. doi:10.3906/sag-1910-48.
Almirañez JE, Almonte SH, Alvarez AD, Alvero E, Alviz C, Alzate Z,et al.Efficacy of apple cider vinegar as an adjunct to 2% ketoconazole shampoo in the treatment of tinea versicolor: a randomized controlled trial.UERM Health Sci J. 2015;4.
Israili ZH.Antimicrobial properties of honey.Am J Ther.2014;21(4):304-23. doi:10.1097/MJT.0b013e318293b09b
Fozouni L, Taghizadeh F, Kiaei E.Anti-microbial effect of aloe vera extract on clotrimazole-resistant malassezia furfur strains isolated from patients with seborrheic dermatitis in the city of Sari.Ann Mil Health Sci Res. 2018;16(2):e82841. doi:10.5812/amh.82841
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