Definition
Pityriasis versicolor is a common infection of the skin. It is causes small, scaly patches with different colors. It is usually easy to treat.
Causes
Pityriasis versicolor is caused by a fungus. The fungus is normally found in small amounts on the skin and scalp. A change in environment can lead to an overgrowth of the fungus. This leads to symptoms.
Risk Factors
This condition is more common in teens and young adults. Other things that raise the risk are:
- Physical activity
- Very sweaty skin
- Using oils on the skin
- Warm, humid
weather
- A weak immune system
Symptoms
Pityriasis versicolor often affects large areas of the skin. Symptoms may include:
- Thin, small, patches that may be:
- Pale yellow, dark brown, or yellowish brown
- Shades of red, pink, or orange
- Light or dark
- Light scaling on affected areas
- Little to no itching
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. A special light may be used to examine the skin. The doctor may suspect pityriasis versicolor based on the exam.
A skin doctor may scrape and test a sample of the skin. This can confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
The goal is to clear the infection. Pityriasis versicolor may be treated with:
-
Antifungal lotions, creams, or shampoos—applied to the skin
- Antifungal pills taken by mouth—used for widespread infections
Skin may return to its normal color. It may take several months to a few years after treatment. The condition may also improve in the winter and return in the summer.
Prevention
Treatment may be used to keep the infection from coming back.
Definition
Pityriasis versicolor is a common infection of the skin. It is causes small, scaly patches with different colors. It is usually easy to treat.
Causes
Pityriasis versicolor is caused by a fungus. The fungus is normally found in small amounts on the skin and scalp. A change in environment can lead to an overgrowth of the fungus. This leads to symptoms.
Risk Factors
This condition is more common in teens and young adults. Other things that raise the risk are:
- Physical activity
- Very sweaty skin
- Using oils on the skin
- Warm, humid
weather
- A weak immune system
Symptoms
Pityriasis versicolor often affects large areas of the skin. Symptoms may include:
- Thin, small, patches that may be:
- Pale yellow, dark brown, or yellowish brown
- Shades of red, pink, or orange
- Light or dark
- Light scaling on affected areas
- Little to no itching
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. A special light may be used to examine the skin. The doctor may suspect pityriasis versicolor based on the exam.
A skin doctor may scrape and test a sample of the skin. This can confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
The goal is to clear the infection. Pityriasis versicolor may be treated with:
-
Antifungal lotions, creams, or shampoos—applied to the skin
- Antifungal pills taken by mouth—used for widespread infections
Skin may return to its normal color. It may take several months to a few years after treatment. The condition may also improve in the winter and return in the summer.
Prevention
Treatment may be used to keep the infection from coming back.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
Copyright © EBSCO Information Services
All rights reserved.
a
(Tinea Versicolor)
References
Hudson A, Sturgeon A, et al. JAMA. 2018;320(13):1396.
Tinea versicolor. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at:
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/tinea-versicolor-overview. Accessed August 4, 2021.
Tinea versicolor. Boston Children's Hospital website. Available at:
https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/t/tinea-versicolor. Accessed August 4, 2021.
Tinea versicolor. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/tinea-versicolor. Accessed August 4, 2021.
