Tinea Versicolor (Pityriasis Versicolor)

INTRODUCTION 

Tinea versicolor, also known as pityriasis versicolor, is a common superficial fungal infection of the skin caused by Malassezia yeast. This fungus normally lives on everyone’s skin, but in certain conditions, it grows excessively and causes discoloration patches.
It is not dangerous but can be cosmetically troubling, especially in hot and humid climates.

TINEA VERSICOLOR ( PITYRIASIS VERSICOLOR)

What Is Tinea Versicolor?

Tinea versicolor is a skin infection where a natural skin yeast overgrows and interferes with the normal pigmentation of the skin. This results in lighter or darker patches, usually on the chest, back, shoulders, neck, or upper arms.

NOTE:-

This condition is not contagious and does not spread from person to person.

Causes 

Tinea versicolor occurs when the Malassezia fungus multiplies more than usual.

RISK FACTOR 

• Hot and humid weather
• Excessive sweating
• Oily skin
• Weak immunity
• Hormonal changes
• Wearing tight, synthetic clothing
• Poor hygiene or irregular bathing
• Use of oily creams or lotions

Signs & Symptoms

1. Discolored Patches

• Light (hypopigmented)
• Dark (hyperpigmented)
• Pink, tan, or brown in some cases

2. Fine Scaling

The patches may have a very fine, powder-like scale on rubbing.

3. Mild Itching

Itching increases after sweating, exercise, or heat exposure.

4. Common Sites

• Upper chest
• Back
• Neck
• Shoulders
• Upper arms

The patches often become more noticeable after sun exposure because the affected skin does not tan normally.

Diagnosis

Doctors usually diagnose tinea versicolor simply by examining the skin.
If needed:

• Wood’s lamp test – patches appear yellowish fluorescence
• KOH scraping – shows fungus under microscope

Treatment

1. Topical Antifungal Creams/Lotions

Commonly prescribed:

• Ketoconazole 2% cream/shampoo
• Clotrimazole lotion
• Terbinafine cream
• Ciclopirox cream
• Selenium sulfide lotion/shampoo

Apply once or twice daily for 2–4 weeks.

2. Antifungal Shampoos

Used on affected skin for 5–10 minutes daily:

• Ketoconazole shampoo
• Selenium sulfide shampoo
• Zinc pyrithione shampoo

3. Oral Antifungal Medicines

For widespread or recurrent cases:

• Itraconazole
• Fluconazole

(Should be taken only under medical supervision.)

Important Note:

Even after complete cure, skin color takes 4–12 weeks to return to normal. This is normal and not a sign of treatment failure.

Prevention 

• Maintain good hygiene, especially during summer.
• Take bath after sweating or gym.
• Use antifungal shampoo once weekly on chest & back during humid months.
• Wear loose, cotton clothes.
• Avoid oily lotions and heavy creams.
• Keep skin dry.
• Change clothes after sweating.

Complications

Tinea versicolor is harmless and does not cause any serious health problems, but:

• Discoloration may persist for months.
• It may recur, especially in humid environments.

When to See a Doctor

• If patches spread rapidly
• If itching becomes severe
• If over-the-counter treatments don’t work
• If the condition keeps coming back

FAQs on Tinea Versicolor