Diagnosis does not require culture of the organism, which is difficult without special media. Treatment Numerous topical therapies effectively clear tinea versicolor, including selenium sulfide, the imidazoles, zinc pyrithione, and sulfur-salicylic acid combinations. If irritation occurs, selenium sulfide should be washed off after 20 to 60 min, or treatment should be stopped for a few days. Oral ketoconazole is also effective, but long-term systemic treatment for this usually trivial disease rarely seems warranted because of potential toxicity. Lesions may not repigment until the fungus is clear and the patient is exposed to sun.
Eventual recurrence is almost universal because the causative organism is a normal skin inhabitant.
The scalp may be the reservoir. All rights reserved.