Thesis
This paper seeks to establish the nature and definition of Tinea Versicolor. In essence, it will offer an overview of its causes and symptoms to establish a profound understanding of this condition.
Introduction
As the title of this condition denotes: Tinea Versicolor designates a fungal infection on the surface of the skin (Tinea) that discolours the skin (versicolor) (American Academy of Dermatology, 2014). Many facts regarding this condition do exist; firstly, this condition is essentially cultivated by fungus normally found on the normal skin of a human being (Mayo Clinic, 2014). Though the connection between this condition and the genetic components in a human’s body has to be proposed, the nature of this connection has since been misunderstood by many (Mayo Clinic, 2014). It is imperative to denote that versicolor can be recognized by the use of the microscope.
Furthermore, the treatment of this condition is effective though its recurrence has been established to be persistent (Berman and MedlinePlus, 2014). Apparently, Tinea Versicolor is a condition whose true sort has since created controversies and differing perceptions. The differing views and controversies surrounding the definition of this disease in essence prompt the need to establish the true nature and condition under which this condition persist in human beings (American Academy of Dermatology, 2014). By focussing on the causes and the symptoms associated with this condition, this paper will insightfully describe and define Tinea Versicolor by considering all accredited perceptions put forward.
Body
Tinea Versicolor is one of the common fungal infections that predominantly affect adolescent and young adults. The term Versicolor is used to make apparent the fact that this condition affects the skin and causes the affected skin to discolour; making it lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. This condition in particular affects the folds of skin, this include the skin under the breast in women, the crook of the arm, and the groin. The unusual thing about this condition is that it doesn’t affect the face. Nevertheless, the skin of children is normally affected though minimal instances regarding the same have been recorded. When affected by this condition, an individual may have a few or many spots on his or her that make its appearance look normal while the normal skin around it may appear to have a problem.
The cause of Tinea Versicolor has been established to be yeast that live under the skin called Malassezia furfur, in adults particularly; this yeast based on research findings cause no harm (Berman and MedlinePlus, 2014). The yeast mentioned above exists in two forms; one of its forms foster the formation of patches of discolours, hence Tinea Versicolor. Apparently, as aforementioned in the introduction, factors that foster this condition are in essence misunderstood by many. However, a considerable number of perceptions regarding the same emphasizes that there exist a connection between the condition and factors that include high humidity and hormonal changes in a human’s body. Irrespective of the fact that the skin of those affected is discoloured, they are healthy people.
Considering that the fungus that causes this condition is part of the normal skin flora, this condition is technically not contagious as it may be perceived. Subsequent to treatment, this condition may recur after sometimes a fact that fosters the need to treat the condition consistently preferably after one year or two. Upon treatment, the patches on the skin will gradually even out; this is fundamentally because the fungus that causes this condition normally inhibits the production of colour pigment on the skin. It is imperative to note that this condition does not have a permanent discolouring on the skin.
Works Cited
American Academy of Dermatology. Tinea versicolor. 2014. Web. 11 November 2014.
Accessed from https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/q---t/tinea-versicolor
MedicineNet.com. Tinea Versicolor (Pityriasis Versicolor). 5 Sep. 2014. Web. 11 November
2014. Accessed from http://www.medicinenet.com/tinea_versicolor/article.htm
Berman Kevin and MedlinePlus. Tinea corporis.. 2014. Web. 11 November 2014. Accessed
