Pityriasis versicolor in children

Children living in hot and humid climates, sweating a lot, if not cleaning their bodies properly, have a high risk of developing fungus that causes tinea versicolor.

Dr. Vo Thi Tuong Duy, a specialist in Dermatology - Cosmetic Dermatology, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said the main cause of pityriasis versicolor is the excessive proliferation of parasitic fungi on the skin, pityrosporum ovale. The disease can appear at any age, in which teenagers and children, especially those living in hot and humid climates like Vietnam, are most susceptible.

According to Dr. Duy, children often exercise with high intensity, hot weather easily sweats a lot, creating favorable conditions for disease-causing fungi, especially on the back, chest, neck, and groin. Children do not clean themselves or do not dry their bodies after bathing; have weak resistance. Children with oily skin, along with hormonal changes in the body, are also the reasons for the fungus causing tinea versicolor to develop.

Children with this disease have white, pink or light brown patches on their skin that are different from their natural skin color. The surface has fine, non-itchy, painless scales. Children feel itchy, tingling and uncomfortable.

Over time, the spots spread into large patches on the chest, back and face, causing loss of aesthetics. Tinea versicolor can spread through direct contact, sharing towels or sleeping in the same bed.

Children who sweat are prone to tinea versicolor, which causes itching. Photo: Freepik

Many parents buy topical medications for their children. However, according to Dr. Tuong Duy, this can make tinea versicolor more difficult to treat, because the symptoms can be easily confused with other skin diseases. Parents should take their children to see a dermatologist for appropriate treatment.

In mild cases, doctors prescribe antifungal creams and shampoos. If the tinea versicolor spreads, doctors prescribe oral medications to kill and prevent the growth of the fungus.

Parents should follow the prescribed dosage. Instruct children to clean their bodies and dry them after bathing; wear loose, cool clothes. Limit children from participating in high-intensity activities to avoid excessive sweating.

To prevent tinea versicolor from recurring, avoid using products that make the skin greasy; apply sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and long-sleeved jacket when going outside. The diet should be full of nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals, to improve the child's resistance.

Phuong Nga

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