Tinea versicolor, also called pityriasis versicolor, is a fungal infection of the skin. It is one of the most common skin infections in tropical and subtropical climates but it can also happen to anyone, including healthy people. The fungus that causes this infection occurs naturally on the skin but if it grows out of control, it can cause a fungal infection.
Thankfully, tinea versicolor can often be treated at home but in some cases, it’ll need to be treated by your doctor. Before treatment, you’ll want to have an understanding of what the infection looks like, what causes it, and how to diagnose it. In this article, we learn everything there is to know about tinea versicolor including the signs, causes, and treatment options available. Let’s explore these next!
Signs and Symptoms of Tinea Versicolor
There are several signs and symptoms you’ll want to look out for that indicate you may have tinea versicolor. The most common sign is patches of skin discoloration, which is typically referred to clinically as hypopigmentation. These commonly appear on the neck, chest, back, and upper arms.
The Mayo Clinic explains the patches can appear white, pink, red, or brown. They can also be lighter or darker than the skin around them. These spots also don’t typically tan the same way the rest of your skin does and may even show up more boldly when you do tan your skin.
Finally, another sign of a tinea versicolor is dry scaly patches. They may even itch or hurt, however, this symptom is more rare.