Tinea versicolor, also called pityriasis versicolor, is a fungal infection caused by Malassezia furfur yeast. These fungi normally live on our skin without causing any harm. The trouble begins when it starts to grow out of control.
This skin condition is quite common, especially in tropical and subtropical areas, and particularly among teenagers and young adults.
The infection affects the pigmentation of the skin, resulting in patches that are lighter (or darker) than your actual skin color. These patches can usually be spotted on the upper arms, neck, back and chest area. It also renders the skin scaly and dry.
Possible triggers that may cause the abnormal growth of this fungus include hot and humid weather, oily skin, excessive sweating, hormonal changes, and a weak immune system. While it gets worse in hot and humid weather, the patches may go away in the winter.
Tinea versicolor is neither contagious nor painful. However, it may sometimes cause itching. The discolored patches often lead to emotional distress and may make you self-conscious.
From medications to homemade remedies, there are a number of solutions to this common but distressing problem.
Contents
Natural Ways to Manage Tinea Versicolor
Method 1: Coconut Oil
One of the most effective household remedies for tinea versicolor is coconut oil. It contains lauric acid, is an antifungal as well as an antimicrobial agent. The medium chain fatty acids area natural fungicide. (1) The best part about this solution is that coconut oil is also used as a natural moisturizer. This means it will not only cure tinea versicolor but also leave your skin smooth and supple.
Things you’ll need:
- Extra-virgin coconut oil – 1 tablespoon
- Cinnamon oil – 5 or 6 drops
Single-Step Method: Mix the ingredients & apply it to the affected areas
- Mix 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin coconut oil and 5 or 6 drops of cinnamon oil.
- Apply the mixture on affected areas.
- Keep it on for 20 minutes, then wash it off with warm water.
Use this remedy 2 or 3 times a day until your infection goes away.
Method 2: Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a popular ingredient in beauty products and home remedies, owing to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antifungal properties. (2) It can help in treating tinea versicolor and prevent the infection from spreading or reappearing. It also offers relief from itchiness.
Things you’ll need:
- Tea tree oil – 5 or 6 drops
- Extra-virgin coconut oil – 1 tablespoon
Single-Step Method: Mix the ingredients & apply the oil blend on the affected areas
- Mix 5 or 6 drops of tea tree oil into 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin coconut oil.
- Apply the oil Blend on the affected skin.
- Leave it on until it dries.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water.
For best results, follow the remedy twice daily. You’ll begin to see the difference in no time!
Method 3: Apple Cider Vinegar
Its antimicrobial properties make apple cider vinegar a potent remedy for treating tinea versicolor. It helps curb the abnormal growth of fungi. (3) It can also help prevent the infection from recurring. Be sure to use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the “mother.”
Single-Step Method: Apply diluted apple cider vinegar on the affected area
- Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and lukewarm water.
- Use a cotton ball to apply the solution on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse it off with warm water.
Use this remedy once a day for a couple of weeks.
Method 4: Selsun Blue
Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide) is a medicated shampoo used widely for the treatment of tinea versicolor. Selenium sulfide is a chemical agent that helps treat dandruff, scaling, flaking, itching and other symptoms. (4)
Single-Step Method: Apply the shampoo on and around the affected skin
- Apply the shampoo on as well as around the affected areas.
- Rub it in and leave it to dry.
- Wait 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
Repeat daily for 2 weeks. After the infection has been cured, continue using the shampoo once a month to prevent it from recurring.
Method 5: Garlic
Garlic is an age-old remedy that comes with a number of medicinal properties. It helps to cure various ailments, reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, among other things. Garlic has antifungal properties and works well in controlling the spread of infections. (5) It is widely used for treating tinea versicolor.
Single-Step Method: Apply garlic oil on the affected skin
- Apply garlic oil directly on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing it off.
Use this remedy once a day.
Also, consuming garlic cloves helps control infections and fungal growth. Eat 2 or 3 garlic cloves on an empty stomach with warm water every day. You may also opt for garlic supplements after consulting your doctor.
Method 6: Oregano Oil
This is one of the most viable treatments for tinea versicolor because of its antifungal property. Oregano oil will help you control the infection and alleviate its symptoms. (6)
Things you’ll need:
- Oregano oil - 1 tablespoon
- Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
Single-Step Method: Mix the oregano and olive oils & apply it to the affected areas
- Mix equal amounts of oregano and olive oils together.
- Apply the blend to the affected areas.
- Wait 30 minutes before rinsing the area with warm water.
Doing this once a day for a few weeks will help you deal with tinea versicolor.
Method 7: Castor Oil
Castor oil contains undecylenic acid, an active compound that helps treat fungal infections. (7) A number of people who managed tinea versicolor swear by this wonderful home remedy.
Things you'll need:
- Castor oil – ½ tablespoon
- Extra-virgin coconut oil – 1 tablespoon
Single-Step Method: Mix castor and coconut oils & apply it to the affected areas
- Mix ½ tablespoon of castor oil and 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin coconut oil together.
- Apply the blend to the affected areas.
Repeat 2 or 3 times a day.
Method 8: Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver, used as an alternative to powerful antibiotics, is a solution of submicroscopic silver nanoparticles suspended in water. It helps fight several types of bacteria and viruses. This is a simple, safe and quick method for curing tinea versicolor.
Single-Step Treatment: Consume it orally or apply topically
- Consume 2 teaspoons of standard colloidal silver 2 times a day.
- You can also, dilute colloidal silver with 20% DMSO solution in a ratio of 3:1 and spray it on the affected areas once in a day.
Continue the treatment for at least 1 week.
Method 9: Diet
A wholesome diet is a key to a healthy and happy life. People who ensure that their body is receiving proper nutrition are less susceptible to illness and infections.
Tinea versicolor tends to get worse and spread across the skin in those with a weak immune system. A healthy diet will help boost your immune system to fight against this utterly discomforting infection. An immune-boosting, natural, nutritious diet should be a part of your everyday lifestyle.
- Your diet must be high in vitamins, especially A, C, E, and B.
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Food with probiotics will help.
- Check your carbohydrates intake because it stimulates yeast production.
- Drink a lot of water.
Method 10: Aloe Vera
Is there anything this wonder plant can’t do? Aloe vera contains a number of properties that make it great for skincare, oral health, weight loss and more. It has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that help in curing tinea versicolor.
Single-Step Method: Apply aloe vera gel on the affected areas
- Extract the gel from an aloe vera leaf.
- Optionally, you may mix a few drops of lavender oil into 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel.
- Apply the gel or blend on the affected areas.
Apply the gel or blend 2 or 3 times a day for best results.
Tips to manage the infection
- Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used to treat tinea versicolor. Soak some gauze in 3% hydrogen peroxide and place it on the affected areas, securing it with tape.
- Wash your clothes, undergarments, towels and other linens in hot water.
- Shower daily.
- Exfoliate the affected areas using a washcloth to reduce the fungus on the skin.
- Avoid wearing body-hugging clothes. Go for breathable and comfortable fabrics.
- Avoid excessive heat. Sweating may make the condition worse.
Resources:
- Evangelista MT, Abad-Casintahan F, Lopez-Villafuerte L. The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial. International Journal of Dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24320105. Published January 2014.
- Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV. Antifungal effects of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and its components on Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Journal of Anti-Microbial Chemotherapy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15140856. Published June 2004.
- Mota AC, de RD, de J, de E. Antifungal Activity of Apple Cider Vinegar on Candida Species Involved in Denture Stomatitis. Journal of Prosthodontists. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25219289. Published June 2015.
- Goldstein BG. Tinea versicolor (Pityriasis Versicolor). UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/tinea-versicolor-pityriasis-versicolor. Published 2018.
- Hayat S, Cheng Z, Ahmad H, Ali M, Chen X, Wang M. Garlic, from Remedy to Stimulant: Evaluation of Antifungal. Frontiers in Plant Science. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4996993/. Published 2016.
- Bedoya-Serna CM, Dacanal GC, Fernandes AM, Pinho SC. Antifungal activity of nanoemulsions encapsulating oregano (Origanum vulgare) essential oil: in vitro study and application in Minas Padrão cheese. Brazilian Journal of Microbiology. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1517838218301242. Published December 14, 2018.
- Hussein HM, Hameed RH, Hameed IH. Screening of Bioactive Compounds of Ricinus communis Using GC-MS and FTIR and Evaluation of its Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity. Indian Journal of Public Health Research and Development. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325120459. Published May 2018.