Tinea versicolor
Tinea versicolor (also called pityriasis versicolor) is a common fungal skin infection caused by the Malassezia species—a yeast that naturally lives on your skin. In some conditions (like humidity, sweat, or oily skin), it overgrows and disrupts normal skin pigmentation, leading to discolored patches.
How to Spot It: Common Signs
Tinea versicolor usually shows up as:
- Flat, discolored patches of skin – either lighter or darker than your natural tone
- Mild scaling or dry texture
- Minimal itching, although not always
- Common areas include the upper chest, back, shoulders and neck
The discoloration might be more noticeable if you’ve been in the sun, as the affected areas don’t tan like the rest of your skin.
Causes of Tinea versicolor
This condition isn’t caused by poor hygiene. Instead, it’s more about skin conditions that favor yeast overgrowth, such as:
- Warm, humid climates
- Excessive sweating
- Oily skin
- Tight or non-breathable clothing
- A weakened immune system (in some cases)
It’s also not contagious, so you don’t have to worry about passing it on to someone else.
The good news? It’s highly treatable—especially if caught early. Tinea versicolor is harmless but can be frustrating—especially when it affects how your skin looks in the sun. Thankfully, with the right treatment and a little preventative care, it’s very manageable.
Differential Diagnoses of Tinea Versicolor
- Pityriasis alba – No scaling or fungal elements; history of atopy; no trunk involvement
- Vitiligo – Complete pigment loss; not scaly; negative Wood’s lamp fluorescence
- Seborrheic dermatitis – More inflammatory; typically not hypopigmented; itchy; often coexists with Malassezia
- Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation – No scaling; clear history of preceding inflammation
- Pityriasis rosea – Self-limited viral exanthem; erythematous plaques; often pruritic
- Nummular eczema – More inflamed, not pigment-altering; often oozes or crusts
- Tinea corporis (ringworm) – Caused by dermatophytes (not yeast); active border
- Lichen planus pigmentosus – No scaling; usually symmetrical; more common in darker skin types
- Secondary syphilis – Systemic signs present; positive serologic tests (VDRL/RPR)
We are independent prescribers able to prescribe any medication from the BNF relevant to the lower limb, foot and ankle.
Are you suffering from any hand or foot condition? At The Chelsea Clinic, we can help. One of our podiatrists can assist and then recommend what treatments are best to get you back on track. Podiatrist South Kensington
Schedule an appointment here or you may call us at +44 (0) 207 101 4000.
We hope you have a feetastic day!
-The Chelsea Clinic and Team
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