“Tinea versicolor is a common skin disorder caused by the fungus Malassezia furfur,” explains Yoram Harth, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of MDacne. “This fungus temporarily modifies the normal pigmentation of the skin, resulting in small white patches. It’s asymptomatic, doesn’t interfere with general health, and isn’t contagious — it’s also more common in young adults and in hot and humid climates.” (2) Tinea versicolor is also known as pityriasis versicolor. (3) Tinea versicolor patches occur most often on the shoulders, neck, and trunk, but they can appear anywhere on the body. Sometimes patches show up on the abdomen or face. That explains why the patches might be more visible after recent sun exposure. As the rest of your skin tans and darkens, the patches show up more. (5) These spots can come and go, especially as seasons change and outside temperatures fluctuate. The spots may be more noticeable when the weather is hot and humid (as in summer) and may be less noticeable or even disappear in fall and winter. (6) These other symptoms may also appear: (4)
ItchingScaling of the skinIncreased sweating
Other conditions may also contribute to tinea versicolor, explains Ife Rodney, MD, founding director of Eternal Dermatology and Aesthetics in Fulton, Maryland. When the skin is sweaty, warm, or moist, the yeast can overgrow, resulting in slightly scaly light or dark oval patches usually on the back, neck, or chest. (4) Your doctor can also use ultraviolet light to confirm a diagnosis of tinea versicolor. If you have this skin condition, the affected skin will appear as a yellowish-green color under UV light. (8)
Prognosis of Tinea Versicolor
Most people clear the infection with antifungal treatment. Understand, though, that these infections often recur, especially in those who live in warm, humid climates, warns Harth. Some people periodically use antifungal creams and lotions to prevent future rashes. (8,9)
Medication Options
Your doctor may suggest one of these over-the-counter antifungal creams, lotions, ointment, or shampoos as a first-line therapy: (10)
Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF, Mycelex) cream or lotionMiconazole (Monistat, M-Zole) creamSelenium sulfide (Selsun Blue) 1 percent shampooTerbinafine (Lamisil) gel or creamZinc pyrithione soap
If they don’t work, you may need one of these prescription-strength topical remedies: (7,10)
Ciclopirox (Loprox, Penlac) gel, lotion, or creamKetoconazole (Extina, Nizoral) foam, cream, gel, or shampooSelenium sulfide in 2.5 percent lotion or shampoo
Some people with tinea versicolor might prefer oral medicines, as they aren’t as messy and can be more convenient. A doctor may prescribe an oral medicine to achieve better results. You might receive oral medication when the fungus covers a large area of your body or frequently returns. However, tablets are rarely needed to treat tinea versicolor. (6) Commonly used oral medicines include these drugs: (7,10)
Fluconazole (Diflucan) tabletsItraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox) capsules or tabletsKetoconazole tablets
Photodynamic therapy, also called light therapy, may help with tinea versicolor, too, according to some research. In a study published in 2018 in The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 66 percent of study participants diagnosed with tinea versicolor reported decreased itching, hyperpigmentation, and scaling when treated with narrow-band UV-B phototherapy three times weekly. (11) Researchers believe the UV-B light helps inhibits the growth of Malassezia.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Applying over-the-counter dandruff shampoos to the skin for about 10 minutes a day while in the shower can be a useful home remedy. Ask your doctor if this might help you. (2) Other home remedies sometimes suggested include honey, olive oil, and beeswax. Ask your doctor or dermatologist before trying any of them. (12) In one small study, an application of equal parts honey, olive oil, and beeswax helped a majority of patients. They applied the mixture three times a day for about a month. (12) Some doctors also suggest using a medicated cleanser once or twice a month — especially if you live in a warm, humid location — to prevent the yeast from growing excessively again. (4) A tan can make the condition more noticeable, so protecting your skin from the sun can give the appearance of an even skin tone. Use sunscreen daily, at least SPF 30 or higher, and don’t use tanning beds. (5) Teens and young adults are more likely to get a tinea versicolor infection than older or younger individuals, but it can occur in anyone. Both genders are affected. (6) The condition is more likely to be a problem if any of these apply to you: (3,4)
Excessive sweatingA compromised immune systemOily skinVery poor nutritionOn birth control pillsPregnantHave diabetesUse corticosteroid medicines
DiabetesHIV infectionCancerPregnancyMalnutrition
Taking a corticosteroid also makes you susceptible to tinea versicolor, as does as having an organ transplant. (3) The Mayo Clinic offers a wealth of patient care information related to various health topics, including tinea versicolor. You’ll find an overview of symptoms, causes, complications, treatments, and prevention tips. Got a skin concern? Use the website’s Find a Doctor tool to locate a dermatologist. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) The AAD is another excellent source for trustworthy information about tinea versicolor. Its website not only provides a comprehensive overview of this skin infection but you’ll find self-care tips and a handout on how to care for a child with tinea versicolor. There’s also a tool to locate a board-certified dermatologist near you. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD) The mission of the AOCD is to provide support and education in the field of dermatology. Its website provides images of tinea versicolor, as well as information on symptoms and causes. There’s even a video explaining how to self-treat the infection at home. KidsHealth Looking for more information on tinea versicolor? KidsHealth provides resources for parents, kids, teenagers, and educators. Other useful tools on the website include videos, expert answers, and newsletters.
Favorite Resources for Online Support
MDLive Need advice on a skin condition? For $75 (or less) you can speak with an MDLive dermatologist online and get a quick answer anytime, anywhere. Send a few photos of your skin for a doctor to diagnose your condition — and if necessary, they’ll write a prescription. SkyMD This is another affordable way to consult a dermatologist online. The board-certified dermatologists from SkyMD are available 24/7 to diagnose your skin condition and write a prescription, if necessary.
