Tinea Versicolor, also known as “an-an”, is a common skin infection caused by a type of yeast (fungus). People with an-an tend to have skin discolorations that appear as pink, tan, brown or white patches. But a person will only show one of these colors. Learn more about an-an treatment here.
What is An-an?
An-an can manifest on any part of the body but it usually appears on the chest, back, and upper arms. These appear as patches that are dry, scaly, and itchy, and can cause mild to moderate discomfort.
Fortunately, an-an is treatable and manageable. Once the growth of the fungus is controlled, the skin will start to recuperate. An-an will stop spreading but the skin discoloration can last for weeks and even months.
The symptoms of an-an look similar to that of vitiligo. It is important to visit your dermatologist so that a skin test can be conducted and so that you may be put on proper an-an treatment.
What Causes An-an?
An-an is usually caused by oily skin, excessive sweating, warm climates, and a weak immune system, caused by certain medical conditions or medication. These factors promote the rapid growth of the fungus to a level that causes the symptoms of an-an.
An-an is neither life-threatening nor contagious. The fungus that causes an-an, Malassezia furfur, grows naturally on the skin but it can cause problems once too much of it grows.
Malassezia furfur interferes with pigmentation or the skin’s ability to influence skin color. Patients with an-an often grow patches that are lighter or darker than their normal skin tone.
An-an can be prevented by practicing good skin hygiene. Taking regular baths and keeping the skin cool and dry during warm and hot weather can significantly decrease the likelihood of growing an-an.
Home Remedies for An-an
For mild an-an, there are home remedies that have the potential to manage the growth of the fungus because of their anti-bacterial and antifungal properties. However, not all home remedies have sufficient evidence to prove their effectiveness against an-an.
Use home remedies with caution and make sure to consult your doctor if there is no improvement. Some home remedies have the potential to irritate the skin or set off an allergic reaction. Immediately stop the use of any home remedy that worsens the condition or has caused adverse effects. Seek medical attention as soon as possible especially for allergic reactions.
Proper skin hygiene
Practicing good skin hygiene not only mitigates the effects of an-an but it also prevents it. Take a bath every day and use antibacterial or antifungal soaps and shampoos that are available over the counter.
Tea Tree and Coconut Oil
Tea tree and coconut oil have some anti-fungal properties that might help treat an-an. Dab and leave it on the infected area. Apply three to four times a day.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has also been said to be effective in treating the affected area. It can be used to soothe the skin and repair skin damage.
Baking Soda
Baking Soda is known to be very effective against fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Take two teaspoons of baking soda and add a small amount of water to form a paste. Apply the paste and leave it on the affected area for 20-30 minutes.
Other home remedies for an-an treatment include other essentials oils (eucalyptus oil and patchouli oil), turmeric, apple cider vinegar, and honey.
An-an Treatment
Treatment for this condition varies depending on which part of your body is affected and how much of your skin is covered by the patches. An-an treatment can either be applied directly to this affected area or taken as a pill.
Topical Medication
The most common form of an-an treatment is topical or treatment that is applied directly to the skin. Topical medicine can either be in the form of creams, lotions, soaps, and shampoos. An-an is usually treated with anti-fungal products containing ingredients with selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, or pyrithione zinc.
Medicated Cleansers
Some people, especially those living in warmer tropical climates, experience an-an more often. People living in or visiting places that are hot and humid are recommended to use antifungal soaps and shampoos from time to time, especially if they sweat excessively. This is to avoid the overgrowth of the fungus.
Anti-Fungal Pills
For patients with an-an that covers a large area of the body, doctors often prescribe antifungal pills to aid in controlling the overgrowth of the fungus. These pills are taken for a short period of time as an-an treatment. Pills are also prescribed if topical treatment is not effective or if an-an returns after treatment.
Key Takeaways
An-an, known as Tinea Versicolor, is a skin condition caused by the overgrowth of a fungus that naturally grows on the skin. An-an usually affects people living in warm tropical climates. People living in warm areas are prone to sweat heavily, which is a major cause of an-an.
An-an is not contagious and is treatable. Some home remedies can be used to treat mild an-an, but it is still best to consult a dermatologist before trying any treatment. Over-the-counter, anti-fungal topical treatments are usually prescribed to manage an-an. In severe cases, antifungal pills are also prescribed.
Learn more about Skin Infections here.
