home conditions pityriasis versicolour

A common skin condition that produces patches of white, brown, or salmon-coloured finely flaking skin distributed mainly over the trunk where there is high sebaceous gland activity.This is a chronic condition and acute periods are common, with a strong link to the environment and emotional stress.

No scales are present until the area is gently scraped, when a fine scale is produced. This condition is also known as Tinea Versicolour. Caused by the colonization of the dead outer layer of skin by a yeast that exists unnoticed on most people's skin, as this is part of the normal skin flora in all individuals.

The condition is usually noticed because of the contrast in colour between the affected and surrounding skin. Usually there is no itch to accompany the itch. Exposure to sunlight can make it more noticeable and therefore more evident in the summer months.

It is common in tropical and subtropical climates. Primarily affecting young and middle aged adults and equally common in males and females. It is not contagious.

Traditional Chinese names translate as "Purple-patch wind" or "Flower patch Dermatosis"

Chinese Herbal Medicine can be very effective in treating this condition.

Treatment in biomedicine is with various topical applications, with severe cases treated internally with oral medication.

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