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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Image of tinea versicolor Tinea versicolor

Tinea versicolor is a type of infection that appears as a tissue-thin coating of fungus on your skin. The infection causes patches of discolored skin that may be:

  • Colored white, pink, tan or dark brown
  • Slow-growing, scaly and mildly itchy
  • More noticeable after sun exposure
  • Located on the back, chest, neck and 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
Causes Definition
References
  1. Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 5th ed. Edinburgh, U.K.; New York, N.Y.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..X0001-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-7234-3541-9&uniqId=230100505-57. Accessed Feb. 16, 2012.
  2. Goldstein BG, et al. Tinea versicolor. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Feb. 16, 2012.
  3. Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2012: 5 Books in 1. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05611-3..C2009-0-38601-8--TOP&isbn=978-0-323-05611-3&uniqId=291436269-101. Accessed Feb. 16, 2012.
DS00635 May 2, 2012

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