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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
Tinea versicolor is a type of infection that appears as a tissue-thin coating of fungus on your skin. The signs and symptoms of tinea versicolor are:
- Small scaly patches of discolored skin
- Patches that grow slowly
- Patches that tend to become more noticeable after sun exposure
- Possible mild itching
The patches can be various colors, including:
- White
- Pink
- Tan
- Dark brown
Although the discoloration may be more apparent on dark skin, the infection can affect anyone, regardless of skin color.
The infection, which is most common in warm, humid temperatures, usually affects the:
- Back
- Chest
- Neck
- Upper arms
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if:
- Your skin doesn't improve with self-care measures
- The fungal infection returns
- The patches cover large areas of your body
- 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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