What is tinea versicolor?

Tinea versicolor (say "TIH-nee-uh VER-sih-kuh-ler") is a fungal infection that causes many small, flat spots on the skin. The spots can be flaky or mildly itchy. The many small spots may blend into large patchy areas, usually on the oily parts of the upper body like the chest and back. The spots can be either lighter or darker than the skin around them.

See a picture of tinea versicolor.

What causes tinea versicolor?

Tinea versicolor is caused by a fungus. This fungus lives all around us, including on the skin. Normally, everyday washing and showering removes dead skin and fungi (more than one fungus). But in hot and humid weather, such as during the summer or in tropical areas, fungi may grow more rapidly. As these fungi grow in number, their natural balance on the skin is affected, the normal color of the skin changes, and spots appear.

People with oily skin, especially teens and young adults, are more likely to get tinea versicolor. It does not spread from person to person.

Other things that increase your chance of getting tinea versicolor include:

• Having an impaired immune system, which can occur during pregnancy or from some illnesses.
• Using certain medicines, such as corticosteroids, antibiotics, or birth control pills.

Tinea versicolor usually is less likely to occur as you age, when the skin becomes less oily.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of tinea versicolor include small, flat, round or oval spots that may, over time, form patches. The spots occur on oily areas of skin on the upper chest, back, or upper arms or, less often, on the upper thighs, neck, or face.

The spots can be lighter or darker than the skin around them. During the summer in mild climates, the spots may be very noticeable because they don't tan with the rest of your skin. During the winter, the spots may seem to go away as your tan fades and they become less obvious.

The spots are flat and may be white, pink, red, tan, or brown, depending on your skin color. Each person's spots are usually just one color. The spotted skin may be scaly. Although it’s not common, your skin may be itchy, especially when you are hot.

How is tinea versicolor diagnosed?

Your doctor often can tell if you have tinea versicolor by looking at the spots. He or she may examine a sample (scraping) of the infected skin under a microscope.

How is it treated?

The infection is easily treated with skin creams, shampoos, or solutions. But not everyone chooses to get treatment.

If the infection is severe or if it covers large areas of your body, returns often, or does not get better with skin care, your doctor may prescribe antifungal pills. Antifungal pills cannot be taken by some people, especially those with liver or heart problems. You may have blood tests so your doctor can check to make sure your kidneys and liver are working okay.