Suggest Treatment For Persistent Tinea Versicolor

Posted on Sat, 18 Jun 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 18 Jun 2016 Answered on

Mon, 11 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, My son who is 15 has Tinea Versicolor, for nearly 4 years and its not getting cleared, we have tried many medications but it just comes back, white spots on his back, and skin rashes. any help ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Remedy for recurrent pityriasis versicolor

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist). I have gone through your query and i have noted your concern.

For recurrent pityriasis versicolor i would suggest him to use 2%ketoconazole shampoo e.g Nizoral lotion as a body wash for 3 consecutive days, every month e.g first 3 days in each month, throughout the year. Lather the shampoo well on to affected areas on the trunk e.g shoulders, chest, back at the time of bath and allow it to act for 5 minutes before rinsing it off with water.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (22 minutes later)

I would like u to see the images of his back and neck. and let me know now if u would still like to stick to same medicine.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would also like to add an oral antifungal, fluconazole

Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thank you

I have reviewed the images.
In addition to what i have already suggested he may also take a single tablet of an oral antifungal i.e fluconazole 400mg (AF-400).

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)

just one tablet ? or one tablet daily for how long ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Single dose

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Just one tablet i.e single dose. Not daily.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (12 minutes later)

summary is nizoral lotion and the one time flu onazole tab. is that correct.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Exactly

Detailed Answer:
That is right.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 minutes later)

he was earlier given fluconazole 150g twice a day for 4 weeks. check the attached

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Just use Nizoral

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Since he has already taken fluconazole in a more than adequate dosage therefore there is no need to repeat it. I would suggest him to just use Nizoral lotion as a body wash. P versicolor leaves behind hypopigmented patches after resolution of infection which may resolve gradually over time and cause anxiety to the patient who may presume it as persistent infection whereas that is not the case actually!

Regards
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 minutes later)

ok will continue with the shampoo, i can see some new patches thats why, small white patches.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Nizoral alone is effective

Detailed Answer:
Ok.

If new patches are appeared then he can take a single dose of 400 mg fluconazole(only 1 tablet), just to cover the possibility of reinfection, along with nizoral lotion for body wash. Else even nizoral alone is effective as a remedy for p. versicolor.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar