05/30/2008

UNSIGHTLY PATCHES

The skin condition known as tinea versicolor produces uneven skin
color due to overgrowth of a yeast type of skin fungus. The combination of oil, warmth, and moisture on the skin can cause it to grow abnormally fast.

As the colonies of fungus resist tanning while the rest of the skin tans, the skin takes on an unevenly pigmented look. Due to the lack of tanning, the affected areas look like white spots on darker or tanned skin. This condition most often occurs on the neck, upper chest, upper arms, and back, and may appear to have a fine, dry scale on them. Once diagnosed, tinea versicolor can be effectively treated with antibiotics and/or prescription
anti-fungal drugs.

Tinea Versicolor can be diagnosed and confirmed clinically with a small scraping from the skin. At Elmhurst Dermatology we can treat this condition with topical and oral medications depending upon extent of the disorder and patient preference. Please call ELMHURST DERMATOLOGY at 630-832-2111 to arrange a skin evaluation. Our services include diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer and chronic skin diseases. We consider it a
privilege to care for you and your family. We are located at 103 N. Haven, Suite 7, Elmhurst. Most medical insurance, Visa, and MasterCard welcome.

P.S. The uneven skin color of tinea versicolor may remain even for several
months after effective treatment.