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By Mayo Clinic staffTinea versicolor, also called pityriasis versicolor, is a common fungal infection of the skin. The fungus interferes with the normal pigmentation of the skin, resulting in small, discolored patches.
Antifungal creams, lotions or shampoos can help treat tinea versicolor. But even after successful treatment, skin color may remain uneven for several weeks until repigmentation occurs, and tinea versicolor may return, especially in warm, humid weather.