Pityriasis versicolor, also known as tinea versicolor, is a fungal infection of the skin caused by Malassezia furfur. It is commonly treated with topical antifungal medications, which are the first-line treatment for mild cases. Some of the topical antifungal agents that are effective against pityriasis versicolor include:
- Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) cream or lotion
- Miconazole (Micaderm) cream
- Selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue) 1 percent lotion
- Terbinafine (Lamisil AT) cream or gel
- Zinc pyrithione soap
Prescription-strength medications may be necessary for severe cases or cases that do not respond to over-the-counter antifungal medicine. These may include topical preparations such as ketoconazole (Ketoconazole, Nizoral, others) cream, gel, or shampoo, ciclopirox (Loprox, Penlac) cream, gel, or shampoo, or oral medications such as fluconazole (Diflucan) tablets or oral solution.
There are also some natural and alternative treatments available, such as Naturasil Tinea Versicolor Liquid Treatment, which contains sulfur 6X HPUS and essential oils such as Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Leaf Oil, and Jojoba Oil. However, the efficacy of these treatments has not been well studied.
It is important to note that the choice of treatment may depend on the severity of the infection, the location of the infection, and the patients medical history. Clinical judgment and knowledge of the agents properties can help guide the choice of therapy. Medicated cleansers may also be used to prevent the yeast from overgrowing again.
