Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection in the top layers of the skin. This fungus is normally present in the pores of the skin and causes no symptoms. But when the fungus overgrows, it causes a rash. The fungus grows more easily in hot and humid climate, and more so on oily or sweaty skin. It's more commonly seen among teenagers and young adults.
Health experts don’t know why some people get this rash and others don’t. It's not known why the rash suddenly appears in someone who has never had it before.
The rash is made up of irregular pale or tan spots and patches. The rash is usually on the neck, upper back, chest, and shoulders. You may have mild itching, especially during very warm and humid conditions, or if you become overheated. But it doesn't usually cause other symptoms. Because these spots don't change color with sun exposure like normal skin, the rash may be lighter or darker than your normal skin.
This rash usually isn't a serious problem. But it often causes mild itching and dry skin scaling.
The main reason for treatment is to improve the appearance of the skin.
Follow the suggestions below to clear the rash. It might take a few months for normal skin color to return.
Home care
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Use a special medicated shampoo over your whole body while in the shower. Over-the-counter dandruff shampoos containing selenium sulfide, pyrithione zinc, or ketoconazole are a good place to start rather than. using regular soap. Let the shampoo stay on for about 10 minutes before rinsing off. Do this every day for one week.
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As a different treatment, you may buy an antifungal cream, such as miconazole or clotrimazole, both available without a prescription. Use as directed.
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This rash is not contagious to others. It can’t be spread if someone touches it. So you don’t have to worry about exposing others at school, daycare, or work.
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Your doctor may also prescribe oral antifungal medicines to help stop the rash.
Prevention
This fungus can come back again (recur) after treatment. To prevent return of the rash, use medicated dandruff shampoo over your whole body when in the shower. Ask your doctor about the medicated shampoo that would be best for you and how often it should be used. This is very important to do in the summertime. That's when the rash is most likely to recur.
Other prevention tips include:
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Don't use oily skin products.
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Wear loose clothing. Try to let your skin stay cool and breathe.
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Use sunscreen and protect yourself from sunlight. Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella while outdoors.
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Don't use tanning beds.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your doctor as advised. Call your provider if the rash doesn’t get better with the above treatment, or if new symptoms appear.
When to get medical care
Call your doctor right away if any of these occur:
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The rash doesn't get better with treatment.
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The rash gets more red.
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There's a change in the appearance of the rash.
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The rash rapidly spreads to other parts of the body.
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You have a fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as advised by your provider.
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