Resolving Discolored Skin Patches.
By Stewart Catz, Contributing Writer.
Tammy in Wisconsin writes,”…I feel like I have some freakish tattoo on my skin! I feel literally branded and I’m worried I’m scarred for life!”
This must be a normal reaction, because regularly here at Tinea-Versicolor.net, people ask if the discoloration of skin is permanent, and whether they will ever look normal again?
The answer to the question is quite obvious once you understand what is actually causing your discolored skin…let’s get into it.
Everybody has fungus on their skin!
It’s pretty gruesome, but true…that normal healthy skin supports a whole ecosystem of micro-organisms living on its surface. Yeast, bacteria and fungus all co-exist and work with your body to keep a natural balance on each population.
Malassezia is the name of one of the fungi. When everything with the human body is working normally, this fungus goes about its existance without any special notice.
Everything was fine until I got TV!
It’s unsure exactly where the real blame lies, but some people have or develop an inbalance with their hormone or immune systems. And when external conditions are favorable such as higher levels of humidity and body oils, the Malassezia fungus on their skin begins to multiply at a rate that overcomes the body’s natural control of the micro-organisms on its surface.
This is the condition known as Tinea Versicolor (TV).
Understanding what makes our skin color.
Regardless of origin, all people’s skin color is made by a pigment in our skin called Melanin. When we tan, the sun’s rays simply influence more Melanin production in our skin.
Malassezia (the fungus responsible for Tinea Versicolor,) as it thrives produces an acid that inhibits the production of Melanin in the skin cells it comes into contact with, effectively shutting down the pigment in that area of the skin.
So what you see on your body as discoloration, is simply the contrasting areas of skin where the pigment production has been compromised and neighboring areas of skin that are normal.
This is why your patches and spots become more noticeable during summer when you tan!
Take back control and restore your skin!
Finally the answer to the question, “Is the discolored skin associated with Tinea Versicolor permanent?” should be clear.
In the process causing the condition of TV, NO skin cells are killed or damaged.
So once you begin to control the over-abundant fungus responsible, your skin will again produce the pigment to naturally restore the discoloration and normal appearance of your skin.
NO permanent damage, and NO scars or visible evidence will remain.
Keep this in mind.
Your aim to treat Tinea Versicolor and keep your skin looking healthy, should be to assist your body in maintaining a natural balance of skin surface conditions. Adopt a long term offensive against the over-active fungus and you will achieve visible results.
To learn a detailed approach to successfully combat TV, see the treatment page of our website.