What is Tinea Versicolor

Tinea versicolor is a skin infection. It is caused by a type of yeast. It is normal for some yeast to be on your skin, but too much yeast causes this infection.

The infection causes a rash of light or dark patches on your skin. The rash is most common on the chest, back, neck, or upper arms. The infection usually does not cause other problems. If it is treated, it will probably go away in a few weeks. The infection cannot be spread from one person to another (is not contagious).

Follow these instructions at home:

• Use over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• Scrub your skin every day with dandruff shampoo as told by your doctor.
• Do not scratch your skin in the rash area.
• Avoid places that are hot and humid.
• Do not use tanning booths.
• Try to avoid sweating a lot.

Contact a doctor if:

• Your symptoms get worse.
• You have a fever.
• You have redness, swelling, or pain in the rash area.
• You have fluid or blood coming from your rash.
• Your rash feels warm to the touch.
• You have pus or a bad smell coming from your rash.
• Your rash comes back (recurs) after treatment.

Summary

• Tinea versicolor is a skin infection. It causes a rash of light or dark patches on your skin.
• The rash is most common on the chest, back, neck, or upper arms. This infection usually does not cause other problems.
• Use over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• If the infection is treated, it will probably go away in a few weeks.