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Tinea versicolor

Definition

Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection of the outer layer 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 warm and humid climates. It does not spread person to person.

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

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.

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)

The fungus that causes tinea versicolor is often easy to treat. But, changes in skin color may last for months. The condition may come back during warm weather.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact 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

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, ed. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 247.

Weston GK, Chang MW. Disorders of hyperpigmentation. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 67.

Review Date: 10/14/2024

Reviewed By: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.