Best Over The Counter Medicine For Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor, also known as pityriasis versicolor, is a fungal infection that affects the skin. It is caused by the overgrowth of yeast on the skin, which leads to the formation of patches that are lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. Tinea versicolor is a common condition that affects people of all ages, and it can be treated with over the counter (OTC) medications. In this article, we will discuss the best OTC medicines for tinea versicolor and how to use them.
1. Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole is an antifungal medication that is available over the counter. It is used to treat a variety of fungal infections, including tinea versicolor. Clotrimazole works by killing the fungus that causes the infection. It comes in the form of a cream, spray, or lotion. To use clotrimazole, clean and dry the affected area of skin, apply a thin layer of the medication, and rub it in gently. Clotrimazole should be used twice a day for two to four weeks, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
2. Miconazole
Miconazole is another antifungal medication that is available over the counter. It is used to treat various fungal infections, including tinea versicolor. Like clotrimazole, miconazole works by killing the fungus that causes the infection. Miconazole comes in the form of a cream, spray, or lotion. To use miconazole, clean and dry the affected area of skin, apply a thin layer of the medication, and rub it in gently. Miconazole should be used twice a day for two to four weeks, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
3. Selenium Sulfide
Selenium sulfide is an antifungal medication that is available over the counter. It is used to treat various fungal infections, including tinea versicolor. Selenium sulfide works by slowing down the growth of the fungus that causes the infection. It comes in the form of a shampoo or lotion. To use selenium sulfide, wet the affected area of skin, apply the medication, and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off. Selenium sulfide should be used once a day for seven days, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
4. Terbinafine
Terbinafine is an antifungal medication that is available over the counter. It is used to treat various fungal infections, including tinea versicolor. Terbinafine works by killing the fungus that causes the infection. It comes in the form of a cream or gel. To use terbinafine, clean and dry the affected area of skin, apply a thin layer of the medication, and rub it in gently. Terbinafine should be used twice a day for one to two weeks, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
5. Ketoconazole
Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication that is available over the counter. It is used to treat various fungal infections, including tinea versicolor. Ketoconazole works by killing the fungus that causes the infection. It comes in the form of a cream or shampoo. To use ketoconazole cream, clean and dry the affected area of skin, apply a thin layer of the medication, and rub it in gently. Ketoconazole cream should be used twice a day for two to four weeks, or as directed by a healthcare professional. To use ketoconazole shampoo, wet the affected area of skin, apply the shampoo, and leave it on for five minutes before rinsing it off. Ketoconazole shampoo should be used once a day for three to five days, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
If you have tinea versicolor, there are several OTC medications that you can use to treat it. Clotrimazole, miconazole, selenium sulfide, terbinafine, and ketoconazole are all effective at treating tinea versicolor. However, it is important to follow the instructions on the packaging or as directed by a healthcare professional. If your symptoms do not improve after using an OTC medication, or if they get worse, you should see a doctor for further treatment.