Tinea Versicolor: Causes, Symptoms and How to Treat Those Patches

Noticed pale, pink or brownish patches on your chest, back or shoulders — patches that become more obvious after sun exposure? This is often tinea versicolor, a very common and harmless fungal skin condition, especially in warm, humid climates like Hyderabad.

What Is Tinea Versicolor?

Tinea versicolor (also called pityriasis versicolor) is caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia — a yeast that lives naturally on everyone's skin. When it grows too much, it interferes with normal skin pigment, creating patches that are lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.

Symptoms

• Small patches that may be white, pink, tan or brown
• Most common on the chest, back, shoulders, neck and upper arms
• Patches that don't tan, so they stand out more in summer
• Mild itching or fine scaling in some cases

What Triggers It?

• Hot, humid weather and heavy sweating
• Oily skin
• Tight or non-breathable clothing
• A weakened immune system or hormonal changes

How It's Treated

Tinea versicolor responds well to antifungal treatment — medicated shampoos and lotions, and oral antifungal medication for widespread or stubborn cases. An important point many people don't realise: even after the yeast is cleared, the colour difference in the skin can take several weeks to months to even out, so the patches fading slowly does not mean treatment failed.

Preventing Recurrence

Because the yeast lives naturally on the skin, tinea versicolor often comes back, particularly in hot months. A dermatologist may recommend periodic maintenance treatment, along with keeping skin dry, wearing breathable clothing and showering after sweating.

Frequently Asked Questions