The white cloth, also known as beach mycosis or pityriasis versicolor, is a skin disease caused by the fungus Malassezia furfur, which produces a substance called azelaic acid, which prevents the skin from producing melanin when exposed to the sun. Thus, in the places where the fungus is, the skin does not get tanned like the rest of the body, leading to the appearance of small white spots.
This type of fungal infection is more common in hot and humid climates, and is therefore very common in many places in Brazil.
To treat pityriasis versicolor antifungal ointments should be given to the affected area and it is best to consult a dermatologist to find out the best option.
Main symptoms
The most common white cloth symptoms on the skin are:
- Circular yellowish or whitish spots;
- Desquamation of the skin;
- White spots that slowly increase in size;
- Stains that disappear after summer.
These skin changes may appear more often on the chest, neck, scalp and arms and in many cases the spots may be very mild.
In addition, there are also cases where the spots can cause some itching, especially during the summer.
See other problems can cause white patches on the skin.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The dermatologist is able to identify the white cloth only when observing the skin and the scalp, however, if there are doubts, it is possible to confirm the diagnosis through the Wood lamp. This test uses a dark light on the skin that causes the sites affected by the fungus to glow, confirming the diagnosis.
How is the treatment and best ointments done?
The treatment for the white cloth is made with the use of antifungal ointments, such as:
- Econazol;
- Ketoconazole
- Terbinafine.
Generally, these ointments should be applied between 3 and 21 days, before bed, as directed by the dermatologist.
In more persistent cases, where blemishes do not improve only with the use of ointments, the doctor may prescribe the use of antifungals in tablets, such as Itraconazole or Fluconazole, for example, which help to eliminate fungi throughout the body, having a stronger effect than ointments. See which remedies are most used in the case of white cloth.
In very tanned people, healing can be achieved, but the spots remain present. This is because the fungus is no longer in the skin, but the skin has not been properly tanned in the affected areas. In these cases, the only way to prove healing is by taking a test, such as Wood's lamp.
Possible causes of white cloth
The white cloth is caused by the development of the fungus Malassezia furfur on the skin and therefore can appear on anyone. However, this fungus is more frequent in cases of:
- Excess heat;
- Skin oils;
- Excessive sweating on the skin;
- Genetic pre-disposition.
In addition, people with weakened immune systems, such as children, the elderly or with autoimmune diseases such as HIV, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, are also more likely to have this skin infection.
