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Tinea versicolor
Pityriasis versicolor
Tinea versicolor is a long-term (chronic) fungal infection of the skin.
Causes
Tinea versicolor is fairly common. It is caused by a type of fungus called Malassezia . This fungus is normally found on human skin. It only causes a problem in certain settings.
The condition is most common in adolescents and young adults. It typically occurs in hot climates. It does not spread person to person.
Symptoms
The main symptom is patches of discolored skin that:
Patches
A patch is a flat area of color change in the skin that is 1 cm or more wide.
- Have sharp borders (edges) and fine scales
- Are often dark reddish to tan in color
- Are found on the back, underarms, upper arms, chest, and neck
- Do not darken in the sun so may appear lighter than the surrounding healthy skin
African Americans may have a loss of skin color or an increase in skin color.
Other symptoms include:
- Increased sweating
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Itching
Itching
Itching is a tingling or irritation of the skin that makes you want to scratch the area. Itching may occur all over the body or only in one location...
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Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will examine a skin scraping under a microscope to look for the fungus. A skin biopsy may also be performed with a special stain called PAS to identify fungus and yeast.
Skin scraping
A skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined. The skin is tested to look for skin conditions or diseases. A...
Skin biopsy
A skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined. The skin is tested to look for skin conditions or diseases. A...
Treatment
The condition is treated with antifungal medicine that is either applied to the skin or taken by mouth.
Applying over-the-counter dandruff shampoo containing selenium sulfide or ketoconazole to the skin for 10 minutes each day in the shower is another treatment option.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Tinea versicolor is easy to treat. Changes in skin color may last for months. The condition may come back during warm weather.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if you develop symptoms of tinea versicolor.
Prevention
Avoid excessive heat or sweating if you have had this condition in the past. You can also use anti-dandruff shampoo on your skin every month to help prevent the problem.
References
Gupta AK, Copper EA, Simpson FC. Tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor). In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Berth-Jones J, Coulson I, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 236.
Patterson JW. Mycoses and algal infections. In: Patterson JW, ed. Weedon's Skin Pathology . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2015:chap 25.
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Tinea versicolor - close-up - illustration
Tinea versicolor is a superficial fungal infection common in adolescent and young adult males. This close-up view demonstrates the typical pattern of the rash.
Tinea versicolor - close-up
illustration
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Tinea versicolor - shoulders - illustration
Tinea versicolor is a superficial fungal infection common in adolescent and young adult males. Frequent sites of infection include the neck, upper chest, and axilla (arm pit). The rash may range from yellow to golden brown in color. Mild itching is also associated with this infection. This photograph demonstrates fairly extensive involvement.
Tinea versicolor - shoulders
illustration
-
Tinea versicolor - close-up - illustration
This is a fungal infection of the skin known as tinea versicolor, and is common in adolescent and young adult males. Besides the rash, there may be mild itching. Frequent sites of infection include the neck, upper chest, and arm pit (axilla). The rash may be white to yellowish to golden brown in color. A tan can accentuate the difference in skin color.
Tinea versicolor - close-up
illustration
-
Tinea versicolor on the back - illustration
Tinea versicolor is an infection caused by a fungus that is common in adolescent and young adult males. Besides the rash, seen here on the back, there may be mild itching. Frequent sites of infection include the neck, upper chest, and arm pit (axilla). The rash may be white (as seen here) to yellowish to golden brown in color. A tan can accentuate the difference in skin color.
Tinea versicolor on the back
illustration
-
Tinea versicolor - back - illustration
Tinea versicolor is caused by the organism Pityrosporum ovale. It occurs most often in young adults. Wood's lamp examination revelas pale yellow-green fluorescence. KOH prep reveals "spaghetti and meatballs" with hyphae and spores. Skin lesions are sharply marginated macules, either hyper or hypopigmented, covered with fine scale. Small discrete lesions may eventually coalesce to cover large areas of the trunk.
Tinea versicolor - back
illustration
-
Tinea versicolor - close-up - illustration
Tinea versicolor is a superficial fungal infection common in adolescent and young adult males. This close-up view demonstrates the typical pattern of the rash.
Tinea versicolor - close-up
illustration
-
Tinea versicolor - shoulders - illustration
Tinea versicolor is a superficial fungal infection common in adolescent and young adult males. Frequent sites of infection include the neck, upper chest, and axilla (arm pit). The rash may range from yellow to golden brown in color. Mild itching is also associated with this infection. This photograph demonstrates fairly extensive involvement.
Tinea versicolor - shoulders
illustration
-
Tinea versicolor - close-up - illustration
This is a fungal infection of the skin known as tinea versicolor, and is common in adolescent and young adult males. Besides the rash, there may be mild itching. Frequent sites of infection include the neck, upper chest, and arm pit (axilla). The rash may be white to yellowish to golden brown in color. A tan can accentuate the difference in skin color.
Tinea versicolor - close-up
illustration
-
Tinea versicolor on the back - illustration
Tinea versicolor is an infection caused by a fungus that is common in adolescent and young adult males. Besides the rash, seen here on the back, there may be mild itching. Frequent sites of infection include the neck, upper chest, and arm pit (axilla). The rash may be white (as seen here) to yellowish to golden brown in color. A tan can accentuate the difference in skin color.
Tinea versicolor on the back
illustration
-
Tinea versicolor - back - illustration
Tinea versicolor is caused by the organism Pityrosporum ovale. It occurs most often in young adults. Wood's lamp examination revelas pale yellow-green fluorescence. KOH prep reveals "spaghetti and meatballs" with hyphae and spores. Skin lesions are sharply marginated macules, either hyper or hypopigmented, covered with fine scale. Small discrete lesions may eventually coalesce to cover large areas of the trunk.
Tinea versicolor - back
illustration
Review Date: 10/31/2016
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
