Can Fungal Infection Cause Skin Discoloration?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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is a common of the skin. The fungus interferes with the normal pigmentation of the skin, resulting in small, discolored patches. These patches may be lighter or darker in color than the surrounding skin and most commonly affect the trunk and shoulders.

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What fungus causes skin discoloration?


Tinea versicolor

is a common fungal infection of the skin. The fungus interferes with the normal pigmentation of the skin, resulting in small, discolored patches. These patches may be lighter or darker in color than the surrounding skin and most commonly affect the trunk and shoulders.

How do you treat discoloration after a fungal infection?

Tinea versicolor almost always can be effectively eradicated with a

topical OTC antifungal soap, shampoo, or cream

. Zinc pyrithione 1% shampoo, which is easier to find than the soap, is also effective against tinea versicolor.

What does a fungal infection of the skin look like?

What does a fungal rash look like? A fungal skin infection often looks

bright red and can spread across a large area

. A fungal skin rash may also have characteristics including: Color more intense at the border.

Does tinea versicolor discoloration go away?

For some people, tinea versicolor causes that lasts for months to years. In most cases, this

discoloration fades away gradually after treatment is complete

.

How do you treat skin discoloration?

  1. Laser therapy: Intense pulsed light devices and Q-switched lasers are commonly used to help lighten skin areas that have darkened.
  2. Topical creams: Topical hydroquinone or prescription retinol (vitamin A) cream may help decrease the appearance of dark skin patches.

How do I get rid of fungus on my skin?

Skin fungus treatment


Antifungal medications

work to treat fungal infections. They can either kill fungi directly or prevent them from growing and thriving. Antifungal drugs are available as OTC treatments or prescription medications, and come in a variety of forms, including: creams or ointments.

How long does it take for a fungal skin infection to clear up?

It

usually takes 7 days for fungal

infections to improve. Apply clotrimazole to the infected area 2 or 3 times a day for at least 2 weeks. The most common side effect of clotrimazole is irritation in the area where you apply the treatment.

Does ringworm cause skin discoloration?

In rare cases of ringworm,

a person may develop permanent round brown or discolored scars on their skin following a case

. These scars have the same pattern as the ringworm rash. They are round and usually surround a round patch of clearer skin.

How do I know if I have tinea versicolor or vitiligo?

  1. vitiligo often develops on both sides of your body at the same time, whereas pityriasis versicolor may not.
  2. skin affected by vitiligo usually has a normal texture, whereas areas affected by pityriasis versicolor are usually slightly scaly or flaky.

What happens if fungal infection is left untreated?

If left completely untreated, your stubborn fungal skin infection

may cause some or the other kind of permanent damage

and in some cases your fungal infection may eventually lead to death.

What are symptoms of fungus in the body?

  • Asthma-like symptoms.
  • Fatigue.
  • Headache.
  • Muscle aches or joint pain.
  • Night sweats.
  • Weight loss.
  • Chest pain.
  • Itchy or scaly skin.

How do I know if my rash is fungal or bacterial?

Skin infections caused by viruses usually result in red welts or blisters that can be itchy and/or painful. Meanwhile, fungal infections usually present with a

red, scaly and itchy rash

with occasional pustules.

What does tinea versicolor look like?

Tinea versicolor appears as

many white, pink, salmon-colored, tan, or brown patches

ranging in size from 1–3 cm. The individual lesions can join together to form large patches. Most lesions have a very fine, dust-like outer skin material (scale).

What is the fastest way to get rid of tinea versicolor?


Body washing with dandruff shampoos containing selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue), pyrithione zinc (Head & Shoulders, Soothe), and ketoconazole (Nizoral)

may help the tinea versicolor clear faster and stay away longer. In the past, some have recommended application of shampoos for overnight use.

How do you stop tinea versicolor from spreading?

  1. Not use skin products that are oily.
  2. Stay out of hot, humid weather.
  3. Stay away from things that cause a lot of sweating.
  4. Wear loose clothing to let your skin stay cool and dry.

When should I worry about skin discoloration?

Some causes, such as birthmarks, are not harmful and may not require treatment. Others, such as skin cancer and cyanosis, are likely to require immediate treatment. It is essential to see a doctor if any new discolored patches of skin appear or if

existing moles change in any way

.

What kills fungus naturally?

  • Garlic. Share on Pinterest Garlic paste may be used as a topical treatment, although no studies have been conducted on its use. …
  • Soapy water. …
  • Apple cider vinegar. …
  • Aloe vera. …
  • Coconut oil. …
  • Grapefruit seed extract. …
  • Turmeric. …
  • Powdered licorice.

What hormone causes skin discoloration?

Adrenocorticotropic hormone can be broken down to produce

melanocyte-stimulating hormone

, leading to hyperpigmentation of the skin. Melanocyte-stimulating hormone levels are also raised during pregnancy and in women using birth control pills, which can cause hyperpigmentation of the skin.

How do you reverse skin discoloration?

  1. Lightening creams.
  2. Face acids.
  3. Retinoids.
  4. Chemical peel.
  5. Laser peel.
  6. IPL therapy.
  7. Microdermabrasion.
  8. Dermabrasion.

Which soap is best for fungal infection?

These are specially formulated, either with medicinal drugs or natural ingredients, to combat many different infections. Our top choice,

Purely Northwest Tea Tree Body Wash

, is a gentle, skin-friendly option that relies on the former.

What are 5 diseases caused by fungi?

  • Candidiasis. Candida are yeast that can be found on the skin, mucous membranes, and in the intestinal tract. …
  • Cryptococcosis. …
  • Aspergillosis. …
  • Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) …
  • Histoplasmosis. …
  • Blastomycosis. …
  • Pneumocystis pneumonia.

How do you know if you have fungus on your skin?

  1. redness or blisters on the affected area.
  2. the infected skin may be soft, or layers may start to break down.
  3. peeling or cracking skin.
  4. the skin may scale and peel away.
  5. itching, stinging, or burning sensations in the infected area.

What's the best cream for fungal infections?

  • 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.

Can fungal skin infections go away by themselves?


Fungal skin infections typically will not go away by themselves

and may spread if not appropriately managed. Fungal skin infections are common worldwide diseases; an estimated 20% to 25% of the world's population suffers from one of them.

How long does ringworm discoloration last?

The skin infection usually clears up within

two to four weeks

but in darker skin can leave dark spots that may take longer to fade. Ringworm of the scalp or nails usually requires an oral medication to be taken for a couple of months in order to effectively kill the fungus.

What does vitiligo look like when it starts?

Vitiligo often starts as

a pale patch of skin that gradually turns completely white

. The centre of a patch may be white, with paler skin around it. If there are blood vessels under the skin, the patch may be slightly pink, rather than white. The edges of the patch may be smooth or irregular.

How can you tell the difference between fungal and vitiligo?

These two diseases produce skin changes. These two are very different diseases; vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disease that destroys the skin's pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) while tinea versicolor results from superficial infection by a yeast, Malassezia furfur.

How can I test for vitiligo at home?


There are no at-home tests available to diagnose vitiligo

. However, you can do a general self-check of your skin and look for patchy or widespread loss of pigmentation (the coloring of your skin, hair, and eyes).

What causes skin darkening?

If your body makes

too much melanin

, your skin gets darker. Pregnancy, Addison's disease, and sun exposure all can make your skin darker. If your body makes too little melanin, your skin gets lighter. Vitiligo is a condition that causes patches of light skin.

What causes brown marks on skin?

Age spots are caused by overactive pigment cells. Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the production of

melanin

, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. On skin that has had years of sun exposure, age spots appear when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations.

What is the main cause of fungal infection?

How do you get a fungal infection? Fungal infections can be caused by many different types of fungi. These can be spread between people, or from animals, the soil, contaminated items or floors. Some fungal skin infections, like thrush, are caused when your body's own

yeast

(a type of fungus) grows more than usual.

What are the symptoms of a bacterial skin infection?

  • Pus or fluid leaking out of the cut.
  • Red skin around the injury.
  • A red streak that runs from the cut toward your heart.
  • A pimple or yellowish crust on top.
  • Sores that look like blisters.
  • Pain that gets worse after a few days.
  • Swelling that gets worse after a few days.
  • A fever.

What happens if a fungal infection gets into bloodstream?

When Candida is in your bloodstream, the condition is called

Candidemia

. Candida infection can spread from your bloodstream to other parts of your body (such as your eyes, kidney, liver, and brain). If this happens, it is called Invasive Candidemia.

In which part of the body do fungal infections often occur?

Fungal infections can occur anywhere in your body but most commonly, they begin

on your skin

. Most cause some discomfort, such as redness and itching on the skin.

Is Vaseline good for fungal infection?

You may cover the area with a thin layer of

petroleum jelly

, such as Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage. Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed. It should heal within 2 weeks. After the diseased and dead tissue has been removed, the infection can treated.

What is the fastest way to get rid of body fungus?

  1. Eat Yoghurt and Probiotics. Yoghurt and other probiotics have an ample amount of good bacteria that help stave off many fungal infections. …
  2. Wash with Soap and Water. …
  3. Use Apple Cider Vinegar. …
  4. Use Tea Tree Oil. …
  5. Use Coconut Oil. …
  6. Use Turmeric. …
  7. Use Aloe Vera. …
  8. Garlic.

What are the symptoms of too much yeast in your body?

  • Oral Thrush. Candidiasis that develops in the mouth or throat is called “thrush.” …
  • Tiredness and Fatigue. …
  • Recurring Genital or Urinary Tract Infections. …
  • Digestive Issues. …
  • Sinus Infections. …
  • Skin and Nail Fungal Infections. …
  • Joint Pain.

Can a blood test detect fungal infection?

Blood Test

Used to detect the presence of fungi in the

blood

. Blood tests are often used to diagnose more serious fungal infections. Test procedure: A health care professional will need a blood sample.

How do I get my skin color back after tinea versicolor?

Treatment of tinea versicolor for people with skin of color typically involves using topical antifungal agents. Clearance of the disease can be achieved but recurrence is common. There is no permanent scarring or skin color changes, though the change in skin color

can take 3-4 months or more to improve

.

What can be mistaken for tinea versicolor?


A type of psoriasis called guttate psoriasis

and tinea versicolor can look very similar. However, they have very different causes and treatments. Both guttate psoriasis and tinea versicolor cause a rash of small, red spots, which is why some people may confuse the two conditions.

What is the best home remedy for tinea versicolor?

An ingredient that can cure almost all your concerns,

Aloe Vera

is greatly known for soothing irritated skin. It is rich in Vitamin B12, which is good for treating Tinea versicolor along with its anti-inflammatory and alkalizing properties which can help soothe the affected area and stop the fungus from spreading.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.