This infection is caused by a type of fungus.
Typically, people have scaly patches of skin.
The diagnosis is based on appearance and skin scrapings.
This infection often returns.
Antifungal skin products, shampoos, and sometimes drugs taken by mouth are used to treat the infection.
(See also Overview of Fungal Skin Infections Overview of Fungal Skin Infections Fungi usually make their homes in moist areas of the body where skin surfaces meet: between the toes, in the genital area, and under the breasts. Common fungal skin infections are caused by... read more .)
The infection is caused by Malassezia furfur and is quite common, especially among young adults. Malassezia furfur is a type of fungus that can exist as both a yeast and a mold. Yeast and mold are terms that are used to describe what the fungus looks like under a microscope.
Malassezia furfur is typically harmless and normally lives on the skin but in some people causes tinea versicolor. Most affected people are healthy. Some people may be genetically predisposed to overgrowth of this fungus.
Other risk factors for tinea versicolor include heat and humidity and an immune system weakened by corticosteroid use, pregnancy, undernutrition, diabetes, or other disorders.
Tinea versicolor is a mild infection and is not considered contagious.
Symptoms of Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor causes many tan, brown, salmon, or white scaly patches to appear on the trunk, neck, abdomen, and occasionally the face. The patches may join to form larger patches. The patches do not tan, so in summer, when the surrounding skin tans, the patches may become obvious. People with naturally dark skin may notice lighter patches. People with naturally fair skin may get darker or lighter patches. Tinea versicolor usually does not cause other symptoms.
This photo shows multiple pink, scaly patches on the back. These patches are typical of tinea versicolor.
Image provided by Thomas Habif, MD.
This photo shows a tan patch on the chest that is typical of tinea versicolor.
© Springer Science+Business Media
© Springer Science+Business Media
Diagnosis of Tinea Versicolor
A doctor's examination of the skin and skin scrapings
Sometimes a Wood light examination
Doctors diagnose tinea versicolor by the appearance of the skin and by looking at skin scrapings Scrapings Doctors can identify many skin disorders simply by looking at the skin. A full skin examination includes examination of the scalp, nails, and mucous membranes. Sometimes the doctor uses a hand-held... read more 
under a microscope to see the fungus.
Doctors may use an ultraviolet light (called a Wood light Wood light (black light) Doctors can identify many skin disorders simply by looking at the skin. A full skin examination includes examination of the scalp, nails, and mucous membranes. Sometimes the doctor uses a hand-held... read more ) to show the infection on the skin more clearly.
Prognosis for Tinea Versicolor
The skin may not regain its normal pigmentation for many months or years after the infection is gone.
Tinea versicolor commonly comes back after successful treatment because the yeast that causes it normally lives on the skin.
Treatment of Tinea Versicolor
Antifungal drugs applied to the affected areas or sometimes taken by mouth
Any antifungal drugs applied directly to the affected areas (topical) may be used to treat tinea versicolor. Prescription-strength selenium sulfide shampoo is effective if applied to affected skin (not just the scalp) for 10 minutes a day for 1 week or for one 24-hour application each week for one month. Other treatments include applying topical ketoconazole daily for 2 weeks and bathing with zinc pyrithione soap or applying sulfur-salicylic shampoo to the skin daily for 1 to 2 weeks. (See also table Some Antifungal Drugs Applied to the Skin (Topical Drugs) Some Antifungal Drugs Applied to the Skin (Topical Drugs) 
.)
Antifungal drugs taken by mouth, such as fluconazole, are sometimes used to treat people who have a widespread infection ( see Table: Drugs for Serious Fungal Infections Drugs for Serious Fungal Infections ) or frequent infections.
To lower the chance of the infection coming back, many doctors recommend practicing meticulous hygiene and using zinc pyrithione soap regularly or one of the other topical treatments monthly.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
selenium sulfide |
Anti-Dandruff, Dandrex, Exsel , Selenos, SelRx, Selseb, Selsun, Selsun Blue, Tersi Foam |
ketoconazole |
Extina, Ketodan, Kuric, Nizoral, Nizoral A-D, Xolegel |
fluconazole |
Diflucan |
