Tinea versicolor is treated with topical or oral medications. Topical treatment includes special cleansers, including some shampoos, creams or lotions applied directly to the skin.
Several oral medications have been used successfully to treat tinea versicolor. Because of possible side effects, or interactions with other medications, your dermatologist should supervise the use of these prescription medicines. After any form of treatment, the uneven color of the skin may remain several months after the yeast has been eliminated until the skin re-pigments normally.
Tinea versicolor may recur. Special cleansers may decrease episodes when used once or twice a month, especially during warm humid months of the year.
Each patient is treated by the dermatologist according to the severity and location of the disease, the climate and the desire of the patient. It’s important to remember that the yeast is easy to kill, but it can take weeks or months for the skin to regain its normal color.