What Is It?

Tinea versicolor is a surface fungal infection that causes changes in the outermost layer of the skin. The lesions appear as round, finely scaling patches, which can be pink, tan, or white. Of these, white is the most common.

What Causes It?

The infection is caused by a yeast-like fungus, which normally lives on the skin's surface in small numbers. A rash is usually seen as small and scaly with white-to-tan spots scattered over the upper arms, chest, back and neck. Tinea versicolor can cause mild itching. You may first become aware of the condition after sun exposure because the affected areas do not tan, causing more noticeable white spots.

What Can Be Done?

The infection is easily treated with either topical or oral medications. The fungus is killed rapidly with therapy, but the uneven skin tones may take several months to return to normal color. To prevent recurrences, special soaps containing salicylic acid and sulfur may be helpful.

Patients are encouraged to stay away from tanning salons, as excessive Ultraviolet (UV) exposure may trigger this infection.

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