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Patchy discoloration after sun exposure could be fungal infection, says Doctor Credits: Social Media
By Kieran Galpin

Patchy discoloration after sun exposure could be fungal infection, says Doctor

By Kieran Galpin

If you ever find yourself with patchy discolored skin after prolonged sun exposure, then you could be suffering from a pesky fungal infection, a doctor said.

Though most of us understand the importance of suncare, even for our dogs, 10% of people never wear sunscreen, and 58% only wear it during the summer. That being said, there are some sun-related issues that even the best sunscreen can’t protect you from.

@mads.montg

Ive heard to put selsun blue to get rid of it but is there a way to just prevent it

♬ hey hope ur doing well – madisonndolan

Discoloration could be the result of a fungal infection

For some reason, and rather than Google the issue, people are taking to TikTok with their confusing and often mysterious medical issues. But one example could be the woman with severe allergies who has a checklist for men to kiss her.

Taking to TikTok after noticing some discoloration on her arms, Mads (@mads.montg) said that she gets the strange spots almost every summer. With over 300k likes and thousands of comments, it seems the issue is more prevalent than she thought.

Thankfully, emergency room doctor Joe (@drjoe_md) was on hand to help Mads and the many other people complaining of discoloration after sun exposure.

@drjoe_md

Tinea versicolor, also known as pityriasis versicolor, is a common fungal infection caused by the yeast Malassezia, which is normally found on the skin. This condition leads to discolored patches on the skin, often appearing on the trunk and shoulders, which may be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. It is more noticeable in warm, humid climates and can be exacerbated by sweating. Tinea versicolor is generally not contagious and can be treated effectively with topical antifungal medications, though recurrence is common. #skininfection #doctor #fungus #yeastinfections

♬ original sound – Dr. Joe, M.D. 🩺

“This is Tinea versicolor, it’s a common fungal infection,” he said. “This yeast is normally present on the skin but can overgrown under certain conditions.”

The infection is caused by several factors including, but not limited to, an increase in weather, excessive sweating, weakened immune system, and oily skin. It is most often found on the trunk or shoulders, though it can be present anywhere on the body.

Though not particularly harmful or contagious, you can treat Tinea versicolor through antifungal medications prescribed by your doctor.

Tinea versicolor is very common

Because Tinea versicolor is not harmful, many people could be living with it without ever realizing it. In Dr Joe’s comment section alone, dozens of people admitted to having similar patches on their bodies.

“Had this for years! Someone told me to use Nizoral and it was done in 2 applications and never came back lol YEARS I HAD IT,” one person wrote.

Another said: “Me from Australia thinking that every guy at school just had really bad sun damage.”

“THERES NO WAY THT AFTER YEARS OF RESEARCHING N TRYIN TO FIGURE OUT WHT I HAD, TT JUST DECIDES TO GRACE ME W THE ANSWER ON A RANDOM TUESDAY,” a third screamed.