Tinea versicolor: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Pityriasis_versicolor_frontal_retouche.jpg|left|thumb|Pityriasis versicolor on face]] | [[File:Pityriasis_versicolor_frontal_retouche.jpg|left|thumb|Pityriasis versicolor on face]] | ||
[[File:Malassezia_spores_2.jpg|left|thumb|Malassezia spores under microscope]] | [[File:Malassezia_spores_2.jpg|left|thumb|Malassezia spores under microscope]] | ||
'''Tinea versicolor''' is a common fungal infection of the skin. The fungus interferes with the normal pigmentation of the skin, resulting in small, discolored patches. These patches may be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin and most commonly affect the trunk and shoulders. Tinea versicolor (TV) is caused by the fungus ''Malassezia globosa''. | '''Tinea versicolor''' is a common fungal infection of the skin. The fungus interferes with the normal pigmentation of the skin, resulting in small, discolored patches. These patches may be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin and most commonly affect the trunk and shoulders. Tinea versicolor (TV) is caused by the fungus ''Malassezia globosa''. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Latest revision as of 20:32, 26 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
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| Tinea versicolor | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | Pityriasis versicolor |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
| Symptoms | Hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, scaly skin |
| Complications | |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Malassezia species (fungi) |
| Risks | Hot and humid weather, immunosuppression |
| Diagnosis | Wood's lamp, KOH test |
| Differential diagnosis | Vitiligo, pityriasis rosea, seborrheic dermatitis |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | Antifungal medications (topical or oral) |
| Medication | Ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, clotrimazole |
| Prognosis | |
| Frequency | Common in tropical climates |
| Deaths | N/A |
Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection of the skin. The fungus interferes with the normal pigmentation of the skin, resulting in small, discolored patches. These patches may be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin and most commonly affect the trunk and shoulders. Tinea versicolor (TV) is caused by the fungus Malassezia globosa.
Causes[edit]
Tinea versicolor is caused by a type of yeast that naturally lives on your skin. When the yeast grows out of control, the skin disease, which appears as a rash, is the result.
Symptoms[edit]
Symptoms of tinea versicolor include:
- Patches of skin discoloration, usually on the back, chest, neck and upper arms, which may appear lighter or darker than usual
- Mild itching
- Scaling
Diagnosis[edit]
A physician can often diagnose tinea versicolor simply by looking at it. If there's any doubt, he or she may take skin scrapings from the infected area and view them under a microscope.
Treatment[edit]
If tinea versicolor is severe or doesn't respond to over-the-counter antifungal medicine, you may need a prescription-strength medication. Some of these medications are topical preparations that you rub on your skin. Others are drugs that you swallow. The type of treatment will depend on the size, location and thickness of the infected area.
Prevention[edit]
To help prevent tinea versicolor from returning, your doctor can prescribe a skin or oral treatment that you use once or twice a month. You may need to use these just during warm and humid months. Preventive treatments include:
- Selenium sulfide (Selsun) 2.5 percent lotion or shampoo
- Ketoconazole (Nizoral) cream, gel or shampoo
- Itraconazole (Sporanox) capsules or tablets
