I am having tinea versicolor with white and light patches on my skin that are slowly spreading. What treatment, cream, or medicine can help me clear this infection?
Tinea versicolor is a mild fungal infection of the skin that happens when a naturally present yeast grows more than usual on the surface. It is often triggered by hot weather, sweating, oily skin, humidity, or sometimes weak immunity. It shows up as light or white patches that can slowly spread and may feel slightly dry or fine-scaled, commonly on the chest, back, neck, or shoulders. It is not dangerous or contagious, but it can be long-lasting and may return if the conditions that support the fungus continue. Treatment is usually done with antifungal creams or lotions applied to the affected areas, and medicated shampoos can also be used on the body in some cases. If the infection is widespread or keeps coming back, oral antifungal medicines may be required after proper assessment. Keeping the skin cool and dry, changing out of sweaty clothes quickly, and wearing loose cotton fabrics can help improve results and reduce recurrence. Skin colour may take time to normalise even after the infection clears, so improvement is gradual rather than immediate.