A yeast infection of the skin, tinea versicolor may cause color changes of the skin, commonly on the chest, back, shoulders, arms, and trunk. During the summer, these spots usually appear pale and do not tan. During the winter, the spots may appear pinker or darker than the normal skin color.

Tinea versicolor is caused by an increased production of yeast on the skin, which is influenced by warm, moist conditions. It is common to have recurring episodes.

PREVENTION/TREATMENT PLAN

1. Air dry skin as much as possible.
2. Apply medication as directed.
3. Patches on skin (color changes) may take several weeks to be resolved.
4. Monthly treatments may help prevent recurrences.

Activity: There are no activity restrictions with tinea versicolor.

Diet: There is no special diet.

Medications:

1. Apply Selsun Blue shampoo or other medication as directed.
2. Most medications may be washed off of skin 30 minutes after application.
3. Selsun Blue shampoo may be used daily on affected skin for 2 weeks.
4. Keep shampoo out of the eyes and the genital area.
5. Leave it on skin for about 20 minutes and then rinse it off.

You Have Been Prescribed: _____________________________________________________________________________

You Need to Take: ____________________________________________________________________________________

You Need to Notify the Office If You:

1. Do not see improvement, despite proper treatment.
2. Develop new symptoms.
3. Other: ________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: _________________________________

RESOURCE

American Academy of Dermatology

9500 W Bryn Mawr Avenue, Ste 500, Rosemont, IL 60018-5216

United States

Phone: (888) 462-DERM (3376)

 www.aad.org