Pityriasis versicolor is a chronic, fungal infection of the skin that is also known as tinea versicolor. It is not contagious. The fungus interferes with the production of normal skin pigmentation, resulting in small patches of skin that are lighter (hypopigmented) or darker (hyperpigmented) than the surrounding skin. These patches may appear anywhere on the body but most often affect the neck, upper trunk and arms.

Pityriasis versicolor occurs when your skin comes into contact with a type of yeast called Malassezia which is found on everyone’s skin. Normally Malassezia does not cause any problems. But in some people, usually those with oily skin, it grows out of control and causes pityriasis versicolor.

The condition is more common in young adults and adults with naturally oily or greasy skin and in people who live in hot, humid climates. It also tends to recur and many individuals will have repeat infections if they do not take preventive measures such as using an anti-fungal shampoo on a regular basis.

Pityriasis versicolor is a common fungal infection of the skin. The fungus interferes with the normal pigmentation of the skin and results in small, discoloured patches. These patches are more noticeable when they are on the face or other exposed areas of the body than when they are on the back or chest, which are less visible to others.

The yeast-like fungus that causes pityriasis versicolor is called Pityrosporum ovale and it naturally occurs on human skin. It does not cause any problems for most people, but sometimes it can multiply rapidly and cause an infection.

Pityriasis versicolor affects young people more than older people and is more common in hot, humid weather and on oily skin. It is also more common in overweight individuals and among those with weak immune systems.

Pityriasis versicolor is a fungal infection of the skin. It’s also called tinea versicolor, and it causes small patches of skin to become scaly and discolored.

The yeast-like fungus that causes pityriasis versicolor, Malassezia furfur, is normally present on the skin. However, if certain conditions are present, such as hot weather or high humidity, the fungus can grow out of control, causing the rash.

Pityriasis versicolor is a mild condition and isn’t usually itchy or uncomfortable. However, some people may feel mildly itchy. The rash is often noticeable because affected areas of skin look lighter or darker than surrounding areas of skin.

You may develop a rash anywhere on your body but it most commonly affects your:

back

chest

neck

Your doctor will be able to diagnose pityriasis versicolor by looking at your skin. They may use an ultra-violet (UV) lamp to make any rashes more visible. If necessary they can also take a scraping from your skin and send it to a lab for testing.

Pityriasis versicolor is a common, benign skin condition that is characterised by an increased number of yeast on the skin. Pityriasis versicolor is also known as tinea versicolor and is not the same condition as pityriasis rosea.

Pityriasis versicolor causes small (1-2mm), slightly scaly patches to develop on the trunk, particularly over the chest and back. These patches are usually brown or pink in colour and may be darker than your normal skin colour, although they may sometimes be lighter. The patches may merge together to form larger areas of discolouration. You may notice that the affected areas change colour depending on your skin tone and when exposed to sunlight.

The signs and symptoms of pityriasis versicolor tend to come and go. However, if you have a weakened immune system (for example, due to HIV or certain medications), the symptoms may spread more widely on your body or may be more severe than usual.

Pityriasis versicolor is a long-term skin disorder characterized by patches of skin discoloration. The most common form of pityriasis versicolor, caused by the yeast Malassezia furfur (formerly known as Pityrosporum ovale), is a chronic fungal infection that may persist for many years if left untreated. Regarded as a condition of hyperkeratosis (excessive development of the horny layer of the epidermis), it appears in the form of fine desquamation, slightly elevated scaly macules and patches varying in size and color, namely white, pink, red, or brown.

The patches tend to accumulate more pigment in summer than in winter and may slowly expand to merge with one another. The disorder generally occurs on the trunk, neck and upper arms but can be found anywhere. The rash is a common condition among adolescents and young adults but can occur at any age and affects males more frequently than females. It is often mistaken for tinea versicolor, which is caused by another type of fungus. Pityriasis versicolor has also been called tinea versicolor.

Although symptoms are rarely severe, sufferers may find the appearance unattractive and suffer psychological distress, particularly

Pityriasis versicolor is a common, benign, asymptomatic fungal infection of the superficial skin caused by Malassezia spp. It is characterised by well-demarcated, partially adherent, fine scaly macules and patches with a predilection for seborrhoeic areas. The lesions are usually light brown to pink or red in colour. Most cases of pityriasis versicolor can be diagnosed clinically, however potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation and Wood’s lamp examination may be useful in confirming the diagnosis.

Pityriasis versicolor may be treated topically with antifungal agents such as ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, econazole nitrate or terbinafine hydrochloride; alternatively oral treatment may be considered if topical monotherapy does not result in a cure.

This skin condition is caused by a yeast infection that affects the skin. It’s also known as “tinea versicolor” or “pityriasis versicolor.” The condition is more common in tropical and subtropical areas. It can flare up in warm, humid weather.

In most cases, the condition will go away on its own. But it can spread to other areas of the body. If left untreated for a long period of time, it can cause discolored patches of skin.

In most cases, the patches will be brown or light pink in color. Some people may develop red or white spots instead. The affected skin may be scaly or dry as well. You may have itchiness or burning sensations in some areas as well. In many cases, you’ll have multiple patches of discolored skin all over your body.