Tinea versicolor is a common
skin condition caused by the overgrowth by a type of skin fungus called Malassezia furfur (pityrosporum). The overgrowth
causes uneven skin color and scaling that may be mildly itchy and unsightly. It is not contagious.
The fungus is found on most people with normal skin, but some people under certain conditions are susceptible to an
overgrowth of the fungus.
When the fungus grows in colonies, it produces a chemical that causes the skin to change color.
The spots may appear pink or coppery brown in patients with fair skin. In darker skinned individuals, the spots may appear
lighter than the surrounding skin.
The rash tends to appear on the upper back, shoulders, and chest, where the yeast
thrives. It may also be seen on the limbs and face.
Tinea versicolor is more common in warm, humid climates and
seems to be associated with excessive perspiration. People with tinea versicolor may notice that it comes back or worsens
during hot summer months.
Tinea versicolor can be diagnosed with a special blue light called a Wood’s Lamp. The
skin may also be scraped to obtain a specimen for examination under a microscope.
Treatment consists of antifungal medicines
applied to the skin. These medications include clotrimazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole. Many over-the-counter dandruff
shampoos contain antifungal ingredients and can be applied to the skin for 10 minutes each day in the shower to treat the
lesions.
In cases of extensive or persistent tinea versicolor, oral antifungal agents, may be recommended.
Though
tinea versicolor is easily treated, pigment changes may last for months after treatment. The condition may come back during
the warm months.
This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your specific
medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician
or health care professional. Communicate promptly with your physician or other health care professional with any health-related
questions or concerns.
Be sure to follow specific instructions given to you by Tinea Versicolor
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Tinea versicolor is a common
skin condition caused by the overgrowth by a type of skin fungus called Malassezia furfur (pityrosporum). The overgrowth
causes uneven skin color and scaling that may be mildly itchy and unsightly. It is not contagious.
The fungus is found on most people with normal skin, but some people under certain conditions are susceptible to an
overgrowth of the fungus.
When the fungus grows in colonies, it produces a chemical that causes the skin to change color.
The spots may appear pink or coppery brown in patients with fair skin. In darker skinned individuals, the spots may appear
lighter than the surrounding skin.
The rash tends to appear on the upper back, shoulders, and chest, where the yeast
thrives. It may also be seen on the limbs and face.
Tinea versicolor is more common in warm, humid climates and
seems to be associated with excessive perspiration. People with tinea versicolor may notice that it comes back or worsens
during hot summer months.
Tinea versicolor can be diagnosed with a special blue light called a Wood’s Lamp. The
skin may also be scraped to obtain a specimen for examination under a microscope.
Treatment consists of antifungal medicines
applied to the skin. These medications include clotrimazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole. Many over-the-counter dandruff
shampoos contain antifungal ingredients and can be applied to the skin for 10 minutes each day in the shower to treat the
lesions.
In cases of extensive or persistent tinea versicolor, oral antifungal agents, may be recommended.
Though
tinea versicolor is easily treated, pigment changes may last for months after treatment. The condition may come back during
the warm months.
This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your specific
medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician
or health care professional. Communicate promptly with your physician or other health care professional with any health-related
questions or concerns.
Be sure to follow specific instructions given to you by your physician or health care
professional.
Additional Resources
- Medications
your physician or health care professional.
Tinea Versicolor
View Printable Version
Tinea versicolor is a common
skin condition caused by the overgrowth by a type of skin fungus called Malassezia furfur (pityrosporum). The overgrowth
causes uneven skin color and scaling that may be mildly itchy and unsightly. It is not contagious.
The fungus is found on most people with normal skin, but some people under certain conditions are susceptible to an
overgrowth of the fungus.
When the fungus grows in colonies, it produces a chemical that causes the skin to change color.
The spots may appear pink or coppery brown in patients with fair skin. In darker skinned individuals, the spots may appear
lighter than the surrounding skin.
The rash tends to appear on the upper back, shoulders, and chest, where the yeast
thrives. It may also be seen on the limbs and face.
Tinea versicolor is more common in warm, humid climates and
seems to be associated with excessive perspiration. People with tinea versicolor may notice that it comes back or worsens
during hot summer months.
Tinea versicolor can be diagnosed with a special blue light called a Wood’s Lamp. The
skin may also be scraped to obtain a specimen for examination under a microscope.
Treatment consists of antifungal medicines
applied to the skin. These medications include clotrimazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole. Many over-the-counter dandruff
shampoos contain antifungal ingredients and can be applied to the skin for 10 minutes each day in the shower to treat the
lesions.
In cases of extensive or persistent tinea versicolor, oral antifungal agents, may be recommended.
Though
tinea versicolor is easily treated, pigment changes may last for months after treatment. The condition may come back during
the warm months.
This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your specific
medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician
or health care professional. Communicate promptly with your physician or other health care professional with any health-related
questions or concerns.
Be sure to follow specific instructions given to you by your physician or health care
professional.
Additional Resources
- Medications
your physician or health care professional.
