Tinea Versicolor
What Is Tinea Versicolor?
Tinea versicolor, also known as pityriasis versicolor, is a common non-cancerous (benign) skin condition caused by surface (superficial) infection with a yeast that commonly lives on the skin. In the right conditions, such as warm, oily, and moist skin, the yeast (Malassezia) can overgrow and cause a rash consisting of tan, pink, brown, or white flaky patches. Although it is an infection, tinea versicolor is not contagious, as the yeast is found commonly in the environment.
Tinea versicolor can develop in people from adolescence and beyond, of all races, and of either sex. However, tinea versicolor is most commonly found in tropical areas with high humidity and high temperatures. In milder climates, teens and young adults are affected most frequently. Tinea versicolor is uncommon in young children or in adults older than 65.
- Living in a warm, humid climate
- Having oily skin
- Sweating frequently or excessively
- Using corticosteroids (cortisone)
- Taking medications that weaken the immune system
- The spots are lighter (sometimes darker) than the surrounding skin. The color of the spots can be white, pink, salmon, red, tan, or brown.
- The spots can appear anywhere on the body.
- Spots can be dry and scaly.
- Skin may itch where the spots appear.
- Spots become more noticeable as the skin tans, as the yeast prevents the skin from tanning.
- Spots grow slowly. As the yeast grows, the spots can combine and form patches of lighter (or darker) skin.
- The spots may disappear when the temperature drops and return in the spring or summer when the air gets warm and humid.
- Chest and upper back
- Upper arms
- Abdomen
- Neck
- Thighs
If you suspect you have tinea versicolor, you might try an over-the-counter antifungal cream such as terbinafine, clotrimazole, or miconazole. An over-the-counter shampoo containing selenium sulfide can be used as a lotion by applying it to the affected areas overnight and rinsing it off in the morning. However, if the condition does not seem to be getting better after 2 weeks of daily treatment, see a dermatologist or another physician for evaluation.
If you have been treated for tinea versicolor, avoid wearing tight, restrictive clothing. Also, sun exposure may make the light-colored areas more apparent, so avoid sun exposure or wear sunscreen until the spots have returned to their normal color.
If you suspect you have tinea versicolor, you might try an over-the-counter antifungal cream such as terbinafine, clotrimazole, or miconazole. An over-the-counter shampoo containing selenium sulfide can be used as a lotion by applying it to the affected areas overnight and rinsing it off in the morning. However, if the condition does not seem to be getting better after 2 weeks of daily treatment, see a dermatologist or another physician for evaluation.
If you have been treated for tinea versicolor, avoid wearing tight, restrictive clothing. Also, sun exposure may make the light-colored areas more apparent, so avoid sun exposure or wear sunscreen until the spots have returned to their normal color.
Selenium sulfide lotion (or shampoo, which can be used as a lotion and then rinsed off)
Pyrithione zinc shampoo (used as a lotion and then rinsed off)
Antifungal cream or lotion, such as ketoconazole, econazole, oxiconazole, or ciclopirox
Antifungal pills, such as ketoconazole, fluconazole, or itraconazole
Recurrence of the infection after treatment is common. Because some people are more likely than others to get the infection, your doctor may recommend a preventive or maintenance treatment to use during the warmer, more humid months, consisting of antifungal cream, lotion, or shampoo applied every week or two.