If Your Skin Was Blotchy This Summer, Don't Worry, You Were Just Covered In Fungus

Have you ever noticed splotches on your skin after getting a sick tan in the summer?

We’ve all dealt with redness and peeling, but if you see light and dark patches on your skin right now, you’re probably just covered in fungus. It’s fine. This is fine. The fungus in question is called tinea versicolor, and it digs hanging out on human skin when there’s a buildup of yeast.

Looking more like a cheetah and less like a human? Tinea versicolor may be to blame.

If you’re like 98 percent of people, you have yeast chillin’ on the surface of your skin right now. When that yeast goes into overdrive because of hot, humid conditions, it can attract fungus that cause blotchiness.

The fungus is particularly fond of moisture and oil, so areas that secrete large amounts of sebum are the most vulnerable. Just ask this girl, who now has to deal with some nasty nonsense on her forehead.

The good news is that it’s pretty much harmless. That being said, the symptoms aren’t exactly attractive. Because the fungus doesn’t allow skin to tan, affected areas are clearly visible after sun exposure.

In some cases, tinea versicolor can become so intense that people mistake it for vitiligo, which is a more severe skin condition that causes uneven pigmentation.

As far as treatment is concerned, those dealing with tinea versicolor can grab some antifungal creams from their dermatologists or opt for homemade concoctions to achieve similar results.

While natural oils with antifungal properties like lavender, thyme, and clove can help cut down on irritation, anyone struggling with a serious case of fungal insanity should probably go for the strong stuff.

Summer may be on its way out, but if you’re one of the unlucky folks contending with tinea versicolor right now, the season’s cruelest effects will linger.

(via BuzzFeed)

To learn more about this condition, click here.