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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffHealthy skin may normally have the fungus that causes this disorder growing in the area where hair follicles open onto the skin surface. Tinea versicolor occurs when the fungus becomes overgrown. A number of factors may trigger this growth, including:
- Hot, humid weather
- Excessive sweating
- Oily skin
- Hormonal changes
- Immunosuppression — when your immune system is unable to protect your body from the growth of yeast or fungus on your skin or elsewhere
References
- Goldstein BG, et al. Tinea versicolor. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 29, 2009.
- Dhar AD. Tinea versicolor. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec10/ch120/ch120e.html. Accessed Jan. 4, 2010.
- Berger TG. Dermatologic disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2010. 49th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx? aID=747. Accessed Dec. 28, 2009.
- McCall CO, et al. Eczema, psoriasis, cutaneous infections, acne, and other common skin disorders. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2864389. Accessed Dec. 28, 2009.
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