Many People Call This Eczema — But It’s NOT (And That’s Why It Keeps Coming Back)

How Is Tinea Versicolor Treated?

Because this condition is fungal, treatments meant for eczema (like steroid creams) will not work and may even worsen it.

Effective treatment includes antifungal medications, such as:

• Antifungal creams or lotions

• Antifungal shampoos used on the skin

• Oral antifungal tablets (for more widespread or stubborn cases)

Treatment typically lasts at least two weeks, and sometimes longer depending on severity.

Important to Know

Even after successful treatment:

• The fungus may be gone

• Skin color can take weeks or months to normalize

This does not mean the treatment failed.

Why Does Tinea Versicolor Keep Coming Back?

Like many fungal infections, Tinea Versicolor has a high recurrence rate. This is because the yeast that causes it naturally lives on the skin and can regrow under the right conditions.

Stopping treatment too early or skipping preventive care almost guarantees recurrence.

What Should You Do?

To reduce the risk of relapse:

• Treat for at least 2 full weeks, even if patches fade earlier

• Follow your treatment plan exactly as prescribed

• Combine treatment with long-term prevention strategies