Tinea versicolor spots generally appear as tan patches on a person's body. The skin condition is also known as pityriasis versicolor, which is a fungal infection. The condition is caused by the body producing too much yeast and can be an ongoing nuisance for many people. It is easy to treat and lighten tinea versicolor spots with natural inexpensive items.
Treat the Cause
Treat and lighten tinea versicolor spots by first getting rid of the underlying problem. Buy an over-the-counter antifungal cream and a bottle of tea tree oil at your local pharmacy. Buy a skin exfoliator or scrub, rubbing alcohol and some gauze bandages to help get rid of the fungal infection.
Use the exfoliator in the shower weekly per the instructions on the packaging. The skin exfoliator will remove scaly yeast buildup and help get rid of tinea versicolor spots. Use a cotton swab and apply the tea tree oil to the tinea versicolor spots. Smear the tea tree oil on surrounding areas extending outwards an inch. Tea tree oil is a natural treatment for a fungal infection. Cut a piece of gauze bandage to the size that will cover the area. Apply the bandaging to the blemishes and attach with tape to the skin. Allow the tea tree oil to sit on the skin for half an hour and remove the bandages. Use a cotton ball saturated with rubbing alcohol on the spots to remove tea tree oil and wipe areas with a paper towel. Tea tree oil can stain clothing; therefore, make sure that you remove all traces of it. Apply the antifungal cream twice a week to the skin spots and surrounding areas before bedtime if the skin condition is not responding to natural treatment.
Wash bedding weekly and never reuse the same towel or clothes. Reusing the same clothing and towels can contribute to tinea versicolor spots becoming larger.
Lightening Methods
Tinea versicolor spots can sometimes remain for a short period of time after the fungal infection has subsided. Buy a lemon to lighten the blemishes. Lemon is a natural treatment for lightening skin that has been used for centuries. Cut the lemon open then squeeze the juice of it and into a cup. Saturate a cotton ball with the lemon juice. Apply lemon juice to the spots once a week. Note any skin reactions. Lemon juice is acidic and may cause a mild rash if you have sensitive skin. Do not continue using the juice if you have a reaction.
