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Pityriasis versicolor is a common infection of the skin. It is causes small, scaly patches with different colors. It is usually easy to treat.
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Pityriasis versicolor is caused by a fungus. The fungus is normally found in small amounts on the skin and scalp. A change in environment can lead to an overgrowth of the fungus. This leads to symptoms.
This condition is more common in teens and young adults. Other things that raise the risk are:
Pityriasis versicolor often affects large areas of the skin. Symptoms may include:
The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. A special light may be used to examine the skin. The doctor may suspect pityriasis versicolor based on the exam.
A skin doctor may scrape and test a sample of the skin. This can confirm the diagnosis.
The goal is to clear the infection. Pityriasis versicolor may be treated with:
Skin may return to its normal color. It may take several months to a few years after treatment. The condition may also improve in the winter and return in the summer.
American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
http://www.niams.nih.gov
Dermatology
http://www.dermatologists.ca
The College of Family Physician of Canada
http://www.cfpc.ca
Hudson A, Sturgeon A, et al. JAMA. 2018;320(13):1396.
Tinea versicolor. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/tinea-versicolor-overview. Accessed August 4, 2021.
Tinea versicolor. Boston Children's Hospital website. Available at: https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/t/tinea-versicolor. Accessed August 4, 2021.
Tinea versicolor. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/tinea-versicolor. Accessed August 4, 2021.
Last reviewed July 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board
Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
Last Updated: 8/4/2021