Tinea Versicolor Archives

Tinea Versicolor question -have read thru archives!

Dr. Stoll,

Have had Tinea Versicolor since I was 21--am now 49. I have read your archives and know the routine--wellness, terry scrub after baths, selsun or alternative daily. I am ready to start trying again to control the "spots". My problem is that the tinea has spread to my face--the worst--a spot on the crease above my eyelid! I am sensitive to Selsun Blue, so am planning to use an alternative. But, can any of these products be used on such a sensitive area?

Also, years ago, one of my dermatologists (in Houston)prescribed 2% salicylic acid in a methanol base for tinea control(I think I've remembered this correctly). It worked great, was inexpensive, and didn't smell bad (smelled like alcohol). Unfortunately, it required a prescription, and I have never found (now live in another state) another doctor who knew about it and/or would prescribe it. Have you heard of this treatment?

One more question on tinea and my face: I am female-Scotch-Irish ancestry. My face has a slight red coloring from broken capillaries or spider veins; a rosacea-like condition, although I don't have a "flush" or acne. Could this BE rosacea? I am using alpha hydroxy acid creams and tretoin creams on my face to repair sun damage. All are OTC. They haven't corrected any of the problems (redness, large pores, age spots) on my face, but do make it feel nice--soft and smooth. However, I read somewhere that I should not use these concoctions if I have tinea. What is your opinion?

Thank you for your help,
Lorelei

Follow Ups:

• Re: Tinea Versicolor question -have read thru archives! Walt Stoll 09:12:35 3/15/02 (0)

In Reply to: Tinea Versicolor question -have read thru archives! posted by Lorelei on March 14, 2002 at 01:06:24:

Hi, Lorelei.

MY bet is that you facial condition is NOT tinea but seborrhea.

You are going to have to have someone knowledgable see you to make an accurate diagnosis. It could even be that what you have been thinking was TV is the same.

You might consider spending some time at the medical school library with a good, color, dermatology atlas and make your own diagnosis.

Selsun would be the only topical that you might not be able to use on your face and you already know you are sensitive to that.

Let us know what you REALLY have.

Walt