Light patches on your skin after summer? It may be tinea versicolor

Urgent Care / Skin / Tinea Versicolor

What is tinea versicolor?

Tinea versicolor, also called pityriasis versicolor, is a common skin condition. A type of yeast lives on healthy skin all the time. In warm, humid weather, or on oily or sweaty skin, it can grow more than usual. When it does, it changes the color of the skin in small patches.

Many people notice it at the end of summer. The patches don't tan, so they stand out more against tanned skin. It's most common in teens and young adults, but it can happen at any age, and it often returns in warm months.

It isn't caused by poor hygiene, and you can't catch it from someone else.

What does tinea versicolor look like?

Compare your skin to this list:

• Small, round or oval patches that may merge into larger areas
• Patches that are lighter or darker than the surrounding skin, or pink, salmon or tan
• Usually on the chest, back, shoulders, neck or upper arms
• A fine, dusty scale that shows when you gently scratch or stretch the skin
• Mild itching, or no symptoms at all
• Patches that look more obvious after sun exposure, because they don't tan

What else can look like it?

Several other conditions can cause light or dark patches, so it's worth having a clinician take a look:

• Vitiligo causes very white patches, often on the hands, face or around the mouth, usually without scale
• Small white spots on the shins and forearms in older adults are often related to years of sun exposure
• Pale, dry patches can come from a mild form of eczema
• Other rashes, including other fungal infections and pityriasis rosea, can look similar

What makes it more likely?

• Hot, humid weather, which describes much of Florida for much of the year
• Sweating a lot, from exercise, outdoor work or the heat
• Oily skin, or heavy oils and lotions on the skin
• Tight, non-breathable clothing
• A weakened immune system

What can you do at home?

These steps can help prevent it and support treatment:

• Shower after sweating, and dry your skin well
• Wear loose, breathable clothes, like cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics
• Choose oil-free sunscreens and lotions where you can
• Use sunscreen to make the patches less noticeable against tanned skin
• Don't scrub the patches hard, which won't help and can irritate the skin

Some over-the-counter antifungal products are used for tinea versicolor. Ask a clinician which product suits you and how to use it, especially if you're not sure of the diagnosis.

How is tinea versicolor treated?

Your clinician can confirm the diagnosis and recommend treatment. Depending on how much skin is affected and whether it keeps coming back, options may include:

• Prescription antifungal cream, lotion or shampoo, used on the skin as a wash
• Antifungal pills, in some cases, for widespread or stubborn patches, if appropriate for your health and other medicines
• A prevention plan for people whose tinea versicolor returns often, such as using a medicated wash regularly during the warm months

One important point: even after the yeast is treated, it can take weeks to months for your skin color to even out. The patches fading slowly doesn't mean the treatment isn't working. Your clinician can tell you what to expect.

What does a video visit at MD Care look like for skin patches?

Tinea versicolor is often recognized by its look and pattern. During the visit, your clinician will:

• Ask when you first noticed the patches and whether they've come back before
• Look closely at the patches on camera, including their color, size and location
• Ask you to gently stretch or scratch the skin to look for fine scale
• Ask about other spots, itching and your medicines
• Recommend treatment and, when appropriate, send a prescription to your pharmacy

Natural daylight shows color differences best. A friend or family member can help with patches on your back, or you can share photos. Read more about rashes and skin infections.

A video visit is $50 without insurance, with no membership. A $20 message visit with photos may be enough for some skin questions, when your clinician agrees it's appropriate. If you have Medicare, we confirm your coverage before your visit, and you pay your plan's share. Most patients are seen within three hours, and you need to be in Florida at the time of your visit. See pricing and Medicare.

When should you be seen in person?

See a clinician or dermatologist in person if:

• The diagnosis isn't clear, and a skin scraping or other test is needed
• The patches don't improve with treatment, or keep spreading
• You have a mole or spot that is changing, bleeding or not healing

Get care the same day if you have a rash with fever, blisters, or skin that is painful, warm and spreading.