Simple remedies help heal infection known as 'sun fungus' Read more from this Tulsa World article a
By SUZY COHEN Dear Pharmacist
Published: 8/18/2012 1:59 AM
Last Modified: 8/18/2012 5:02 AM
Dear Pharmacist, This summer, I've spent more time outside in the sun, and I've noticed a bunch of little white spots appearing on my chest and back. What is this, and how can I treat it? - N.C. Orlando, Fla.
It sounds like you may have "sun fungus" or Tinea versicolor, a fungal infection that occurs on the outer layers of the skin. It's an external manifestation of too much yeast in the body that feeds on your dead skin cells and skin oils. The yeast called Malassezia globosa causes it. It usually is found on our skin, but it grows in excess in certain conditions and may be triggered by sunny, hot, humid environments. Sorry to say, it's generally a recurring condition. Tinea versicolor doesn't develop as a result of sun exposure, but the difference in pigmentation can become more obvious after you've begun tanning.
Try to find a cream that contains clotrimazole or miconazole: These are very strong anti-fungal agents. These anti-fungal creams are sold at your local pharmacy. Some dermatologists recommend using a dandruff shampoo containing selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue) and applying it to your skin. You can try this by applying it twice daily for a week or two and re-evaluate after that.
This type of infection (and all fungus-related ones) thrive by you eating sugar, starch and yeast-containing foods. Therefore, avoid all sweeteners (including the artificial ones), fruits, jams, bread, alcohol, as well as other foods that don't necessarily have a high sugar content but may make your condition worse: I'm thinking vinegar, baked goodies and nuts.
Stick to the veggies, grass-fed meats, eggs, olive, coconut or grape seed oil and whole grain pastas. Don't forget to supplement with quality probiotics and other anti-fungal foods and spices (garlic, oregano and grapefruit.)
You can also take a skin-soothing bath. A great combination is Epsom salts combined with some baking soda, lemon juice, a few drops of tea tree and clary sage essential oil and some dandruff shampoo. The ratios don't matter much.
By SUZY COHEN Dear Pharmacist
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