Definition of Tinea Versicolor

Tinea versicolor is a skin condition. It develops when there is an overgrowth of yeast on a person's skin. The yeast that causes tinea versicolor lives in skin pores and it thrives in areas that tend to be oily, such as the back, chest and neck. When there is an overgrowth of the yeast it causes a fungal infection. The fungal infection can cause itching, scaling and uneven skin color.

Appearance

Tinea versicolor produces tan or faint colored spots on light-colored skin and either dark or light spots on dark-colored skin. Small spots will generally appear over the chest, back, upper arms, neck, and even the face. Since the fungus prevents tanning of the affected areas, as the rest of the skin tans the spots become more visible.

Symptoms

Slight itching may occur with tinea versicolor, especially if a person becomes overheated. Some people report scaling of the affected areas. However, there really are no other physical symptoms of the skin condition. Tinea versicolor is not contagious.

Risk

The yeast that causes tinea versicolor is present on normal skin and it is unknown why some people develop the skin condition and others do not. Tinea versicolor can happen at any age, but it is more common among teenagers and young adults than children and the elderly. Both light and dark-colored skin is equally prone to developing the condition.

Diagnosis

A dermatologist can easily identify tinea versicolor from other skin conditions that resemble the outbreak with a visual exam. To confirm the diagnosis, a skin scraping may be taken and examined under the microscope, or a special light may be held a few inches from the affected skin. Tinea versicolor will appear yellowish-green under the light.

Treatment

Treatment is personalized from patient to patient. It can include topical medications that contain ketoconazole, selenium sulfide or pyrithione zinc. Oral medications may also be given, as well as medicated cleansers.

Warning

While the yeast overgrowth is easy to kill, it can take months before the skin returns to its normal appearance. Tinea versicolor often returns.

References

• Medicine Net