Tinea versicolor
Pityriasis versicolorTinea versicolor is a common fungal infection of the outer layer of the skin.
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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 warm and humid climates. It does not spread person to person.
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Symptoms
The main symptom is patches of discolored skin that:
- Have sharp borders (edges) and fine scales
- Are often lighter or darker than the surrounding skin
- Are found on the back, underarms, upper arms, chest, and neck
- Are found on the forehead (in children)
- Do not darken in the sun, so may appear lighter than the surrounding healthy skin
African Americans and other people of color may have a loss of skin color or an increase in skin color.
Other symptoms include:
- Increased sweating
- Mild itching
- Mild swelling
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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.
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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.
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Outlook (Prognosis)
Tinea versicolor is easy to treat. Changes in skin color may last for months. The condition may come back during warm weather.
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When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of tinea versicolor.
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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
Chang MW. Disorders of hyperpigmentation. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 67.
Patterson JW. Mycoses and algal infections. In: Patterson JW, ed. Weedon's Skin Pathology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Limited; 2021:chap 26.
Patterson TF, Cañete-Gibas CF, Wiederhold NP. Malassezia species. In: Long SS, Prober CG, Fischer M, Kimberlin DW, eds. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 247.