Tinea Versicolor

A fungal infection called tinea versicolor might look similar to typical skin discoloration, but you can get rid of it by taking antifungal medications or using topical antifungal products. If you notice darkening or lightening skin in certain areas, dermatology specialists Spencer Hamner, PA-C, Christine D. Brown, MD, and their team at Integrated Dermatology of Montrose in Montrose, Colorado, can evaluate your skin and provide the necessary treatment for tinea versicolor. Call Integrated Dermatology of Montrose or book your next visit online today.

What is tinea versicolor?

Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection of the skin which comes from an overgrowth of yeast. It causes skin discoloration but typically goes away without treatment. Plus, it isn’t contagious, so you can’t catch it from those around you or spread it to other people. 

Most people with tinea versicolor develop symptoms on their shoulders, back, and chest. You might notice those patches flaring up in the heat or humidity. They stand out when your skin is exposed to the sun because the infected patches don’t change color with sunburns or tanning. 

Anyone can get tinea versicolor, and experts aren’t sure why some people are more prone to it than others. However, it seems to be most common in tropical and subtropical areas. It develops from an overgrowth of a type of yeast that naturally occurs in your skin. 

What are the symptoms of tinea versicolor?

Tinea versicolor causes patchy symptoms that differ according to the affected person’s skin color. Rounded patches of skin become either darker or lighter than your natural skin tone: It’s more common to see light patches than dark patches. Your patches might be:

• Tan 
• White
• Pink
• Red
• Brown
• Yellow

Some of the patches can become dry and flaky, and in many cases, they grow and spread over time. The condition isn’t painful, but you might experience mild itching or excessive sweating. 

How is tinea versicolor treated?

Tinea versicolor is quite easy to treat, particularly with antifungal products and medications. The team at Integrated Dermatology of Montrose evaluates your skin and may scrape off cells for a closer look while diagnosing you. 

Antifungal products for tinea versicolor can come in multiple forms, including lotions, shampoos, and ointments. Most of these are available over the counter at your local drugstore, but there are also prescription varieties you can get at Integrated Dermatology of Montrose. 

Severe cases of tinea versicolor may require prescription oral medications. While complications from tinea versicolor are rare, treating the condition can stop the symptoms from worsening or spreading to other parts of your skin. 

Call Integrated Dermatology of Montrose or book a visit online to find out about treatments for tinea versicolor today.