Facts about Tinea Versicolor

What is Tinea versicolor?

Tinea versicolor is a common skin condition due to overgrowth of a skin surface yeast caused by a fungus (called Malassezia furfur, Pityrosporon orbiculare, Pityrosporon ovale or Malassezia ovalis). This fungus is considered part of the normal flora (microorganisms that normally occur) on human skin, and only becomes troublesome under certain circumstances. The overgrowth results in uneven skin color and scaling that can be unsightly, somewhat scaly and sometimes itch. The yeast normally lives in the pores of the skin and thrives in oily areas such as the neck, upper chest, and back.

Tinea versicolor has small, scaly white-to-pink or tan-to-dark spots which can be scattered over the upper arms, chest and back. They may sometimes appear on the neck and the face. On light skin, tinea versicolor may be faint or can appear as tan-to-pink spots, while on dark skin tinea versicolor may be light or dark. The fungus grows slowly and prevents the skin from tanning normally. As the rest of the skin tans in the sun, the pale spots, which are affected by the yeast, become more noticeable, especially on dark skin.

In African Americans, pigmentary changes are common with hypopigmentation (loss of color) or hyperpigmentation (increase in skin color). Tinea versicolor is more common in hot climates and is associated with increased sweating. It occurs more commonly in adolescents and young men. It is rare in the elderly and children, except in tropical climates where it can occur at any age. People with oily skin may be more susceptible than those with naturally dry skin.

• In the US: Tinea versicolor occurs more frequently in areas with higher temperatures and higher relative humidities. The national prevalence of this condition is 2-8% of the population. The exact incidence in the United States is difficult to assess because many individuals who are affected may not seek medical attention.

• Internationally: Tinea versicolor occurs worldwide, with prevalences reported to be as high as 50% in the humid, hot environment of Western Samoa and as low as 1.1% in the colder temperatures of Sweden.

Symptoms

• Persistent white, pink, or brown patches of discolored skin

• Itching

Causes

Healthy skin may normally have the fungus that causes this disorder growing in its pores (the opening of the hair follicles). Tinea versicolor occurs when the fungus becomes overgrown. A number of factors may trigger this growth, including:

• Hot, humid weather

• Excessive sweating

• Oily skin

• Hormonal changes

• Immunosuppression — when the immune system is unable to protect the body from the growth of yeast or fungus on the skin or elsewhere.

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