Definition
Tinea versicolor is a common infection that affects the skin. It is characterized by small, scaly patches with different colors.
Causes
Tinea versicolor is caused by a fungus. It is a type of
dermatomycosis caused by a yeast that affects skin color. The fungus that causes tinea versicolor
is normally found in small numbers on the skin and scalp. Overgrowth of the yeast leads to infection.
Risk Factors
Tinea versicolor is more common in adolescents and young adults. Other factors that may increase your chance of tinea versicolor include:
- Having naturally oily or excessively sweaty skin
- Living in warm and humid
climates
- Having a weakened immune system
Symptoms
Tinea versicolor may cause:
- Uneven skin color, with either white or light brown patches
- Light scaling on affected areas
- Slight itching, which is worse when the person is hot
Patches that are easier to notice in the summer. Tinea versicolor usually affects the back, chest, and neck. It can result in uneven skin color which can last for months after the infection is gone.
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may need to be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders.
The doctor may use an ultraviolet light to see the patches more clearly. A patch may be scraped and sent for testing.
Treatment
Tinea versicolor is treated with antifungal medication. This may be:
-
Over-the-counter or prescription antifungal medications:
- Lotions or creams with antifungal medications that are used for 2 weeks, such as ketoconazole or miconazole
- Shampoos that are left on for 5-10 minutes and rinsed off, such as selenium sulfide, sulfur salicylic acid, or zinc pyrithione
-
Prescription oral antifungal medications such as
- Ketoconazole
- Itraconazole
- Fluconazole
After the infection is successfully treated, your skin may naturally return to its normal color. This process usually takes several months or up to a few years. The condition may improve in the winter only to return in the summer.
Prevention
If you know you are prone to tinea versicolor, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe a treatment you can use periodically to keep tinea versicolor from returning.
Definition
Tinea versicolor is a common infection that affects the skin. It is characterized by small, scaly patches with different colors.
Causes
Tinea versicolor is caused by a fungus. It is a type of
dermatomycosis caused by a yeast that affects skin color. The fungus that causes tinea versicolor
is normally found in small numbers on the skin and scalp. Overgrowth of the yeast leads to infection.
Risk Factors
Tinea versicolor is more common in adolescents and young adults. Other factors that may increase your chance of tinea versicolor include:
- Having naturally oily or excessively sweaty skin
- Living in warm and humid
climates
- Having a weakened immune system
Symptoms
Tinea versicolor may cause:
- Uneven skin color, with either white or light brown patches
- Light scaling on affected areas
- Slight itching, which is worse when the person is hot
Patches that are easier to notice in the summer. Tinea versicolor usually affects the back, chest, and neck. It can result in uneven skin color which can last for months after the infection is gone.
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may need to be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders.
The doctor may use an ultraviolet light to see the patches more clearly. A patch may be scraped and sent for testing.
Treatment
Tinea versicolor is treated with antifungal medication. This may be:
-
Over-the-counter or prescription antifungal medications:
- Lotions or creams with antifungal medications that are used for 2 weeks, such as ketoconazole or miconazole
- Shampoos that are left on for 5-10 minutes and rinsed off, such as selenium sulfide, sulfur salicylic acid, or zinc pyrithione
-
Prescription oral antifungal medications such as
- Ketoconazole
- Itraconazole
- Fluconazole
After the infection is successfully treated, your skin may naturally return to its normal color. This process usually takes several months or up to a few years. The condition may improve in the winter only to return in the summer.
Prevention
If you know you are prone to tinea versicolor, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe a treatment you can use periodically to keep tinea versicolor from returning.
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
Tinea versicolor. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at:
https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/q---t/tinea-versicolor. Accessed December 13, 2017.
Tinea versicolor. Boston Children's Hospital website. Available at:
http://www.childrenshospital.org/health-topics/conditions/t/tinea-versicolor. Accessed December 13, 2017.
Tinea versicolor. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114485/Tinea-versicolor . Updated May 20, 2016. Accessed December 13, 2017.
