Skin discoloration caused by yeast?

A problem that's exacerbated by tanning during the summer, white spots on skin can be caused by a type of yeast called tinea versicolor. Unlike other tinea molds that cause jock itch, athlete's foot, and ringworm, the yeasts are not contagious. The yeast doesn't actually cause the skin to be lighter, it just blocks the areas where they live from absorbing light and tanning. Those with oily, damp, or irritated skin are especially susceptible to versicolor yeasts.

During the winter, when skin becomes untanned, the spots can look darker than the surrounding skin or even red. The spots often appear in clusters of white dots. To treat this type of yeast infection you should use a cream for the treatment of athlete's foot or jock itch such as Lotrimin or Tinactin and apply twice daily to the affected area. Another possible treatment is to use a shampoo containing selenium such as Selsun Blue or Head and Shoulders. Of course you should always try natural remedies for curing yeast infections such as those posted earlier here at Yeast Infection Symptoms and Treatments.


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