Tinea Versicolor
(Pityriasis Versicolor)
Definition
Tinea versicolor is a type of dermatomycosis that is caused by a yeast that interferes with normal tanning. Dermatomycosis is a term that includes a variety of superficial skin infections caused by fungi or yeast. These types of infections almost always only affect skin, hair, and/or nails. In people with severe immune problems, these infections can become more serious and invasive.
Tinea versicolor can result in uneven skin color, which can last for months after the infection is gone. Tinea versicolor usually affects the back, upper arms, underarms, chest, and neck. It rarely affects the face.
Tinea Versicolor
Causes
The fungus that causes tinea versicolor, Malassezia furfur, is normally present in small numbers on the skin and scalp. Overgrowth of the yeast leads to infection.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for tinea versicolor include:
- Age: more common in adolescents and young adults
- Sex: more common in men
- Skin: more common in people with naturally oily or excessively sweaty skin
- Climate: more common in warm and humid climates
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- 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 most noticeable in summer months
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam . You may need to be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (a dermatologist).
The doctor may use an ultraviolet light to see the patches more clearly and may scrape the patch to send a sample for testing.
Treatment
Treatment options for tinea versicolor include the following:
Medications Applied to the Skin
Selenium sulfide lotion (2.5%) or shampoo (1%) (eg, Dandrex, Exsel, Selsun Blue) applied daily for a week and then monthly for several months to prevent recurrences. Several other medicated creams and ointments are also available.
Medications Taken by Mouth
Prescription antifungal medications taken by mouth have the advantage of convenience and shorter treatment duration. However, they are more expensive and associated with more adverse effects. Some people cannot take antifungal medications. Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking and any medical problems you have.
Once the infection is successfully treated, your skin will naturally return to its normal color. However, this process usually takes several months. Also, the condition may improve in the winter only to return again in the summer months.
Prevention
Avoiding excessive heat and sweating may reduce your risk of tinea versicolor.
American Academy of Dermatology
Family Doctor.org
Canadian Family Physician
Health Canada
American Academy of Dermatology. Tinea versicolor. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_tinea.html. Updated 2005. Accessed September 27, 2005.
Children’s Hospital Boston. Tinea versicolor. Children’s Hospital Boston website. Available at: http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site1752/mainpageS1752P0.html. Accessed Accessed July 27, 2009.
DynaMed Editorial Team. Tinea versicolor. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/. Updated July 16, 2010. Accessed November 11, 2010.
Mayo Clinic. Tinea versicolor. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tinea-versicolor/DS00635. Updated February 2008. Accessed Accessed July 27, 2009.
Last reviewed September 2011 by Ross Zeltser, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
