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Alternative names Return to top
Pityriasis versicolorDefinition Return to top
Tinea versicolor is a chronic fungal infection of the skin.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Tinea versicolor is a relatively common skin infection caused by the fungus Pityrosporum orbiculare, a type of yeast. This fungus is considered part of the normal flora (microorganisms that normally occur) on human skin and only becomes troublesome under certain circumstances.
The most commonly affected sites are the back, underarm, upper arms, chest, and neck. The typical lesion is a flat discoloration with a sharp border and fine scales. The lesions are typically dark tan with a reddish cast.
In African Americans, pigmentary changes are common with hypopigmentation (loss of color) or hyperpigmentation (increase in skin color). Itching may be present. Tinea versicolor is more common in hot climates and is associated with increased sweating. It occurs more commonly in adolescents and young men.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
A skin scraping and subsequent examination under a microscope should show the yeast.Treatment Return to top
Topical antifungal agents are effective in eradicating the lesions. These medications include clotrimazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Though tinea versicolor is easily cleared, pigment changes may last for months after treatment.
Recurrences each summer are commonly seen.
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of tinea versicolor.Prevention Return to top
People with a history of tinea versicolor should attempt to avoid excessive heat or sweating. In addition, a dandruff shampoo applied to the entire skin for 10 minutes each week may help prevent recurrences.
Update Date: 1/11/2003 Updated by: Glen H. Crawford, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |