Tinea Versicolor Overview
Learn About Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection of the outer layer of the skin.
Pityriasis versicolor
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.
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
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.
Yale University
Jonathan Leventhal is a Dermatologist in Branford, Connecticut. Dr. Leventhal and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Tinea Versicolor. His top areas of expertise are Melanoma, Bullous Pemphigoid, Giant Congenital Nevus, and Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus.
Henry Ford Health System
Anna Axelson is a Dermatologist in Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Axelson and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Tinea Versicolor. Her top areas of expertise are Nummular Eczema, Actinic Keratosis, Autosomal Recessive Hypotrichosis, and Alopecia Areata. Dr. Axelson is currently accepting new patients.
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Amy Mcmichael is a Dermatologist in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Dr. Mcmichael and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Tinea Versicolor. Her top areas of expertise are Autosomal Recessive Hypotrichosis, Alopecia Areata, Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lassueur Syndrome, and GAPO Syndrome. Dr. Mcmichael is currently accepting new patients.
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.
Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of tinea versicolor.
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.
Summary: This study compares the efficacy of two drugs, namely flucanazole and itraconazole for the treatment of a common fungal infection of skin.
Published Date: October 14, 2024
Published 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.
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.