We all have yeast living on our skin. This is normal. Sometimes, however, this normal yeast grows out of control and causes a rash known as tinea versicolor. New Jersey’s Skin & Laser Center of NJ explains that the rash, also known as pityriasis versicolor, is a common skin condition that appears as discolored flat patches that can be brown, tan, reddish, pinkish, or just a little lighter in color than the surrounding skin. The problem impacts roughly one percent of the population worldwide and 40 percent of the population in tropical climates. This rash can appear anywhere on the body, but it is most common on the chest, abdomen, back, and neck. Sometimes the dry, flaky skin within these patches is apparent. These patches may be itchy, but often they have no symptoms at all.
The yeast that causes tinea versicolor is also responsible for other skin disorders such as pityrosporum folliculitis (which resembles acne) and seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff of the scalp and skin). Patients with a weakened immune system, who are exposed to hot and humid weather, and with sweating and oily skin are at increased risk of developing tinea versicolor. Adolescents and young adults are also at higher risk of developing this skin condition. While tinea versicolor is not harmful, painful, or contagious, it can be mildly itchy for some patients. Fortunately, tinea versicolor is highly treatable, and the medical providers at Skin & Laser Center of NJ have extensive experience helping patients achieve clear, healthy skin.
In late 2016 she founded the Skin & Laser Center of NJ, LLC in Mahwah, NJ where she continues to treat her medical and cosmetic patients, and further pursues her interest in laser medicine. Dr. Lieb’s mission is to provide high quality dermatologic care using up-to-date medical information and cutting edge technology in an efficiently run practice. Dr. Lieb is board certified in dermatology, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, a member of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the New Jersey Dermatologic Society. Dr. Lieb is a Staff Dermatologist at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood.
Many patients with tinea versicolor don’t experience itching or other physical discomfort associated with the condition and might not feel compelled to seek treatment. Other patients might be uncomfortable about the appearance of the rash and seek assistance and treatment from a trained medical professional.
The first step in treating tinea versicolor is obtaining an official diagnosis. At Skin & Laser Center of NJ a provider can often conduct a visual examination of the skin to determine whether a patient has the fungus. With treatment, the yeast that causes tinea versicolor is easy to kill.
The best treatment depends on where the tinea versicolor is located on the body, how much of the skin is affected, how thick the spots have grown, and the climate. Available treatment options for tinea versicolor may include topical medical body washes, topical creams and lotions, or antifungal pills. In many cases, the patient will need to apply the medications for several weeks to months in order to benefit from the full effect.
After successful treatment, the skin may stay lighter (or darker) for weeks or months, but will eventually return to its normal color. Tinea versicolor can return even after a successful treatment, so prevention is important. An occasional medicated body wash may be recommended. It’s also important to use sunscreen to help protect the skin during this time.
Skin & Laser Center of NJ in Ramsey provides a wide range of medical, surgical, and cosmetic services for patients in and around New Jersey. Patients can get diagnosis and treatment for acne, skin cancer (with Mohs surgery), chronic conditions (like psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema), moles, melasma, vitiligo, athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, scabies, contact dermatitis, and more. Cosmetic options include wrinkle-relaxing BOTOX® and Dysport®, dermal fillers like Juvederm® and Restylane®, Kybella® for reducing a double chin, chemical peels, Hydrafacial MD, microneedling, laser hair removal, laser acne treatments, laser scar treatments, laser tattoo removal, CoolSculpting®, laser vein treatments, sclerotherapy, and more.
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