Sun Fungus – The Patches That Appear on the Skin Just in Summer

Skin & Wellness Magazine

Sometimes it begins with a small light patch on the shoulder. Then a few more appear on the back, the chest, or the neck. After a day at the sea they become especially noticeable, because the skin around them tans and the patches stay light.

The phenomenon is known as "sun fungus," but the name is a bit misleading. The sun does not create the fungus, and it does not infect us with it either.

So where do the patches come from, and why do they return in some people almost every summer?

What Is Sun Fungus, Actually?

Sun fungus, or by its medical name Tinea Versicolor, is a superficial skin phenomenon linked to yeasts of the Malassezia family.

These yeasts are found naturally on the skin of many people, even when the skin is completely healthy.

Under certain conditions they multiply and change the local balance in the skin, and as a result patches appear with a different tone from the skin around them.

Why Specifically in Summer?

Heat, humidity, and sweat create conditions that encourage the yeasts to multiply.

That is why the phenomenon is especially common in hot and humid regions, and sometimes worsens in the summer months.

But there is another reason we notice it specifically after sun exposure.

The affected areas may tan less than the skin around them, so the difference in tone becomes clearer.

The sun is not the direct cause of the fungus, but it emphasizes the patches.

What Does Sun Fungus Look Like?

The patches can be light, pinkish, brown, or darker than the natural skin tone.

They usually appear on the back, the chest, the shoulders, and the neck, and sometimes also on the arms and the face.

In some cases a very fine scaling can be noticed on the surface of the patches, especially when they are rubbed gently.

Usually there is no pain, and sometimes a mild itch appears.

Is Sun Fungus Contagious?

Despite its name, sun fungus is not considered a disease that is contagious through regular contact.

The reason is that the yeasts involved in the phenomenon are found naturally on the skin.

The problem is not necessarily exposure to someone else, but an increased multiplication of the yeasts under certain conditions.

How Is Sun Fungus Treated?

In many cases, topical antifungal preparations are used, such as a shampoo or a body wash containing ketoconazole or selenium sulfide, according to the instructions for use and medical guidance.

Antifungal creams are also sometimes used.

When the phenomenon is widespread or returns frequently, a dermatologist may consider another treatment.

It is important to know that not every light patch is sun fungus. There are other conditions that cause pigmentation changes, so it is worth diagnosing the phenomenon before starting treatment.

Why Don't the Patches Disappear Immediately after the Treatment?

This is one of the most common questions.

Even when the treatment succeeds in reducing the amount of yeasts, the skin tone does not necessarily return to its previous state right away.

The process of pigmentation recovery may take weeks and even months.

That is why patches that remain after the treatment are not necessarily a sign that the fungus is still active.

Can Its Return Be Prevented?

Sun fungus tends to return, especially in people who live in a hot and humid climate.

Showering after sweating, changing damp clothes, and avoiding staying for long in wet clothes can help keep the skin comfortable.

For those who suffer from frequent recurrences, a doctor may recommend periodic use of an antifungal preparation for prevention.

It is also important to protect the skin from the sun. Sunscreen does not treat the fungus, but it may reduce the contrast between the patches and the skin around them.

Does Sun Fungus Leave Permanent Damage?

In most cases this is a superficial phenomenon that does not cause scars or permanent damage to the skin.

However, the tone changes can last a long time even after the yeasts have been treated.

If the patches spread, change shape, or do not improve, it is worth checking whether it is sun fungus or another skin condition.

The important thing to remember is that not every light patch indicates damage from the sun, and not every change in skin color requires a lightening treatment. Sometimes the source of the problem is actually the microorganisms that live on our skin naturally.

Skin & Wellness Magazine | OrOrgani

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