Tinea versicolor, or pityriasis versicolor, is a fungal skin infection caused by the Malassezia fungus. It can cause symptoms such as lighter or darker patches of skin, itchiness, and more.

Tinea versicolor happens when something causes Malassezia to quickly grow on the skin. It is more common in hot climates or with excess sweating.

Doctors may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antifungal creams to manage tinea versicolor. Oral medications may also help.

Read on to learn more about the symptoms and causes of tinea versicolor. This article also looks at how doctors diagnose the condition, treatment options, and more.

View the slideshow for photos of tinea versicolor.

Discolored patches of skin are the most noticeable symptom of tinea versicolor. These patches usually show up on the:

  • arms
  • chest
  • neck
  • back

These patches may be:

  • lighter or darker than the surrounding skin
  • brown, tan, pink, or red
  • dry, itchy, and scaly
  • more prominent with tanning
  • prone to disappear in cooler, less humid weather

Hypopigmentation is the loss or lightening of skin color. For some people, the skin may darken instead of lighten. This condition is known as hyperpigmentation.

Some people may also expereince itchy skin.

Tinea versicolor occurs when Malassezia grows rapidly on the surface of the skin.

The fungus Malasseziais a type of yeast found on the surface of the skin. It is typically harmless, but sometimes it can grow out of control and affect the natural color or pigmentationof your skin.

Doctors aren’t sure why this happens, but they have identified certain factors that may increase the likelihood of tinea versicolor. These include:

  • hot and humid weather
  • oily skin
  • pregnancy
  • a weakened immune system
  • family history of tinea versicolor

Tinea versicolor is more common in adolescents and young adults. It is also more prevalent in tropical countries.

A doctor may be able to diagnose tinea versicolor based on the appearance of the skin.

If the diagnosis is unclear, your doctor may take a skin scraping. A skin scraping removes cells from your skin for testing by scraping the skin gently. Viewing the cells under a microscope can reveal whether they contain the yeast that causes this condition.

Your doctor may a potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopy. In this procedure, your doctor takes a skin sample, places it on a microscope slide soaked with KOH, and looks for yeast or hyphae fungi under a microscope.

Your doctor might also take a biopsy, or tissue sample, of the affected skin and test for fungi on the outer skin layer. A sample of the fungus on the skin can also be tested in a fungal culture to see if you have the condition.

Your doctor may also use a Wood’s lamp to look at your skin. If yeast is present, the affected skin will appear yellowish-orange or golden white under the light.

If your symptoms aren’t severe, you may choose to treat your condition at home. OTC antifungal creams or shampoos may be effective for killing the infection.

Your doctor may prescribe prescription strength topical treatments for tinea versicolor.

If the condition affects a large area, they may recommend oral antifungals.

If you develop symptoms of tinea versicolor or any other changes in the color of your skin, it is best to contact a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Before advising on suitable treatments, your doctor will be able to confirm the diagnosis of tinea versicolor and rule out other possible causes. Some conditions that can have a similar appearance include:

  • pityriasis rosea
  • seborrheic dermatitis
  • tinea corporis
  • vitiligo
  • erythrasma

With proper treatment, it typically takes tinea versicolor a number of weeks or months to resolve.

It may also return when the weather becomes warmer and more humid. Your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent its return.

If you receive a tinea versicolor diagnosis, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent its recurrence.

Avoiding excess heat may also help reduce the likelihood of the condition.

Tinea versicolor, also called pityriasis versicolor, causes skin discoloration due to a fungal skin infection. Patches of skin may appear lighter or darker.

While the exact cause is unclear, tinea versicolor is more likely to develop in hot, humid environments. People with a weakened immune system or a family history of the condition are also more likely to develop it. It is more common in adolescents and young adults.

Speak with a doctor if you develop symptoms of tinea versicolor. They can confirm the diagnosis and advise on a suitable treatment plan, which may include topical and oral antifungals.