Microscopic examination: Takes a sample of your skin and sends it into a lab to view the sample under a microscope and check for harmful pathogens (e.g., fungi, bacteria, etc.)
Wood's light test: Uses a special device known as the Wood's lamp which emits ultraviolet (UV) rays and shows the infected skin as a yellow or orange color under the UV light
Potassium hydroxide examination: Soaks patches of your skin with a solution mixed with potassium hydroxide to view the spots under a microscope, which checks for the presence of fungi
Tinea Versicolor Treatments
The most common treatments for tinea versicolor are topical antifungal shampoos, creams, soaps, and lotions that you can place directly on the infected skin. Topical treatments may include non-specific antifungal agents such as zinc-pyrithione, selenium sulfide 2.5%, and sulfur plus salicylic acid or specific antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole 2%, isoconazole, and clotrimazole 1%.1
Your healthcare provider will usually recommend Nizoral (ketoconazole) to treat your infection. This treatment usually comes in the form of a cream or foaming solution. But, if you have a more severe infection, your provider may recommend an oral medication. Options for medications typically include Azocan (fluconazole) which you take weekly for two to four weeks or Sporanox (itraconazole) which you take daily for seven days.1
If you live in a hot and humid climate, it's common to experience this infection multiple times. It may help to use a medicated cleanser once or twice a month to prevent fungal growth. If you've experienced tinea versicolor multiple times, ask your provider about which preventative treatments are safe for you.2
