Tinea Versicolor - Causes, Symptoms and Ayurvedic Treatment

Tinea Versicolor, also known as Pityriasis versicolor is a frequent, benign and superficial fungal infection of the skin. The most frequently affected sites are the trunk, proximal extremities and neck whose diagnosis is often done on clinical grounds alone. It occurs more frequently in young adults and adolescents due to the increase of sebum production by sebaceous glands.

It is caused by Malassezia also known as Pityrosporum which is a dimorphic lipophilic fungus. It has been reported worldwide, but it is more common in warm and humid conditions.

Master Charak has explained this condition under various types of kushtas along with elaborate management of the same. It is correlated with Rikshajihva in Ayurveda which is caused due to the vitiation of Vata and Kapha doshas along with Pitta dosha. Both these doshas manifest in the skin which lead to accumulation of toxins.

These toxins thus get accumulated in the deeper tissues of the skin such as rasa, rakta, mamsa and lasika. Thus, it is a tridosha disorder having the predominance of Vata and Kapha doshas. IAFA is providing effective Ayurvedic medicine for the successful treatment of fungal infection naturally and completely.

What are the Causes of Tinea Versicolor?

There are a number of factors that trigger the growth of the fungus. These are:

Weakened immune system
Diabetes
Oily skin
Hormonal changes
Excessive perspiration that is common in hot and humid climate

Ayurvedic Reference of Tinea Versicolor

Symptoms of Tinea Versicolor

Appearance of red rashes in the form of rings on the skin.
Skin discoloration including nails on the chest, upper arms, neck which may appear lighter or darker than the normal.
Itching and burning in the groin area.
Cracked skin and mild itching between the toes.

“Dr. Gupta’s IAFA is providing magnificent contributions around the globe especially in the field of Ayurvedic allergic management. Institute of Applied Food Allergy® is successfully managing fungal infections through classical Ayurvedic measures. Ayurvedic system of medicine is the only natural friendly measure for curing fungal infection naturally and completely”.

Commitment to authentic Ayurvedic treatment…!!! Dr. Gupta’s IAFA for your future health.

– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®

Diet and Lifestyle Management in Tinea Versicolor

Do’s (Pathya)

Light and easily digestible food
Intake of spices like turmeric, curry leaves and cardamom
Regular bathing and washing
Maintaining personal hygiene

Don’ts (Apathya)

Intake of oily and junk food
Cold water
Night awakening
Exposure to dust and contaminants

Yoga Therapy in Tinea Versicolor

Various Yoga postures such as Suryanamaskar, Padmasana, Vajrasana, Paschimothasana are quite effective.
Pranayam such as

Anulom Vilom,
Kapalbhati,
Chanderbhedi are effective.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Tinea Versicolor

Ayurveda incorporates internal as well as external medications for the treatment of Tinea Versicolor. The unique Ayurvedic treatment protocol ensures a complete cure for the condition.

Internal Medications to Treat Tinea Versicolor

Panchatiktam Kwatham
Patoladi Kwatha
Patolamooladi Kwath
Nimbadi Kwatha
Kaisora Gulgulu Tablet
Vilwadi Tablet
Dooshivishari Gulika Tablet
Manibhadra Gulam
Avipathi Churnam
Triphala Churna
Khadirarishta
Patolasavam
Nimbamritasavam

External Medications to Treat Tinea Versicolor

Triphala Churna
Nimbadi Churna
Nalpamaradi Choornam
Aragwadhadi Kwatham
Guduchyadi Kwatham
Tuthadi Tablet
Rasothamadi Lepam
Dhanyamla
Dinesavalyadi Keram
Vitpala Kera

External Therapies to Treat Tinea Versicolor

Swedana (Sweating Therapy)
Padaavagaha (Foot Bath)
Lepa (Medicinal Paste)
Abhyanga (Oil Massage)
Kshalana (Washing)

Purification Therapies to Treat Tinea Versicolor

Virechana (Purgation)
Vamana (Emesis)
Raktamokshana (Blood-Letting)

Single Herbs to Treat Tinea Versicolor

Nimba (Azadirachta Indica)
Patola (Trichosanthes Dioica)
Tila (Sesamum Indicum)
Pippali (Piper Longum)
Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula)
Shatavari (Asparagus Racemosus)
Haridra (Curcuma Longa)
Kushta (Saussurea Lappa)
Chitraka (Plumbago Zeylanica)
Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis)

References

P V Sharma, Charak Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana Chapter No. 7, Shlok No. (18-20), Chaukhamba, Varanasi, 2014.
Shastri Ambika Dutta, Sushrut Samhita, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan Varanasi, 4th edition 1976, Nidaan Sthana 5/5, Page No. 247
Tripathi Indradev evam Tripathi Daya Shankar, Yogaratnakara, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy Varanasi, Edition 2013, Kushta Nidana Chikitsa Prakarana, Shlok No. 22, Page No. – 644.
Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Aspects of Allergies and Fungal Infections, Edition 2021, Fungal Infection Chapter No. 41, Page No. 259.

Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Can Ayurveda treat Tinea Versicolor?

Answer: Yes, Ayurveda can treat tinea versicolor effectively. There are herbs and herbal remedies available in Ayurveda that have been used since centuries to treat fungal infections like tinea versicolor.

Question: Can tinea versicolor spread from person to person?

Answer: Tinea versicolor does not spread from person to person.

Question: How long does it take for tinea versicolor to clear up?

Answer: The duration of treatment varies from person to person. On an average, Ayurvedic treatment can take up to weeks or months for skin colour to return to normal.

Question: How can tinea versicolor be stopped from spreading?

Answer: There are various ways such as: not using oily skin products, staying out of hot and humid weather, staying away from activities that cause a lot of sweating etc.