Do you have 'ringworm'-like spots on your body? Let's talk about ringworm (Tinea Versicolor)!

Do you have white, pink, or brown spots on your back, chest, or shoulders? Do you sometimes itch a little? Are these spots more visible when you go out in the sun? Then you may also have a condition called 'sunburn', which is common among many people in Sri Lanka. Although some people are scared when they see this, it is actually not dangerous. Let's talk about this in simple terms today.

What exactly is Tinea Versicolor?

Simply put, ringworm is a very common fungal infection that occurs on our skin. It is also known in medical terms as `(Pityriasis Versicolor)`. We all have a type of fungus called `(Yeast)` naturally living on our skin. Usually, this does not cause any problems. But for some reasons, for example, excessive heat, sweating, etc., this fungus starts to grow rapidly and uncontrollably. That is when ringworm occurs.

These spots are mainly seen on the shoulders, back, and upper chest. This is not a dangerous condition, and it is not contagious . However, it can sometimes be a little itchy.

What does it look like when gray skin develops?

The appearance of gray skin may vary slightly depending on your skin tone.

• Common features: These usually start as small, round spots. Over time, these spots can grow larger and merge together to cover a large area of ​​skin.
• Skin discoloration: This fungus interferes with the production of pigment in your skin. This is why the spots appear lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. The white appearance is most common. These spots can come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, light brown, and yellow.
• When you go out in the sun: When you go out in the sun, the surrounding skin darkens (tans), but the areas where you have gray skin don't. Therefore, these spots become more visible at that time.
• Dryness and scaling: Some spots may become a little dry and may even peel off like fine scales.

Who is more likely to develop this?

Although anyone can develop gray skin, some people are at a higher risk.

• Climate: People living in countries with hot, humid climates like Sri Lanka are more likely to develop gray skin.
• Age: This is usually seen more often in young people and during puberty, as the oil glands in the skin become more active during that time.
• People who sweat a lot: People who sweat a lot and have oily skin are also at higher risk.
• People with a weak immune system: People who use certain medications such as corticosteroids, have medical conditions such as diabetes, or have a weakened immune system for other reasons may develop gray skin.
• Pregnant mothers: Some mothers may also develop gray skin due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.

What are the main causes of gray skin?

As we discussed earlier, the main cause of this is the uncontrolled growth of a fungus that naturally exists on our skin. Here are the main factors that affect this growth.

How does a doctor know for sure that this is alopecia?

Usually, a doctor can diagnose eczema by looking at the spots on your skin. But sometimes they will do a few small tests to confirm.

• Skin scraping: The doctor will carefully scrape off a small piece of the surface skin from a spot on your skin and look at it under a microscope. The fungal cells can then be clearly seen.
• Wood Lamp Test: This is a lamp that emits special ultraviolet light. When the light of this lamp is applied to your skin in a dark room, the areas of gray skin that are affected glow a yellow-green color.

What are the treatments for gray skin?

The good news is that ringworm is a very treatable condition . Treatment is mainly with antifungal medications. These come in the form of creams, lotions, shampoos, soaps, and sometimes pills.

Over-the-counter medications

You can use over-the-counter medications for minor skin conditions. Read the instructions carefully before using these.

• Antifungal creams and lotions: Creams containing `Clotrimazole` or `Miconazole`.
• Antifungal shampoos: Shampoos containing `Selenium sulfide` or `Ketoconazole`. These are shampoos for the scalp, but they are also very effective for dandruff. All you have to do is apply this shampoo to the affected area while bathing, leave it on for a few minutes, and then rinse it off.
• Zinc pyrithione soap: This type of soap also helps control fungal growth.

Prescription

If the medications you buy from the pharmacy don't help, or if the eczema has spread to a large area of ​​your body, you should definitely see a doctor . He or she will prescribe stronger medications for you.

• Stronger creams and shampoos: Stronger antifungals like `Ketoconazole` or `Ciclopirox`.
• Oral tablets: If the condition is severe, oral tablets such as `Fluconazole` or `Itraconazole` can be given for a short period of time.

How can I prevent gray skin from coming back?

One of the most annoying things about ringworm is that it can come back. This is because the fungus that causes it is naturally present on our skin. But there are a few things we can do to prevent it from coming back.

• Use of special soap or shampoo: If you often develop dandruff, you can use a shampoo or soap containing `Ketoconazole` or `Selenium sulfide` once or twice a week, as advised by your doctor. This is especially important during the hot season.
• Avoid excessive sweating: Protect yourself from excessive heat and sun as much as possible.
• Avoid tight clothing: Wear loose clothing made from sweat-absorbing fabrics, such as cotton.
• Sunscreen: Use sunscreen when going out in the sun. It prevents the skin from darkening to a uniform color, making spots less visible.

What is the difference between gray skin and vitiligo?

Many people confuse gray skin with a condition called vitiligo, as both cause white patches on the skin. However, these two conditions are completely different.

If you are unsure about what condition you have, the best thing to do is see a doctor and get a proper diagnosis .

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