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Tinea versicolor Causes and Risks:
Tinea versicolor is a relatively common skin infection caused by the fungus (yeast) Pityrosporum orbiculare. P. orbiculare is considered part of the normal flora on human skin (the microorganisms that are normally found on the skin of humans) and only becomes infectious under certain circumstances. The most commonly affected sites are the underarm, upper arms, chest, and neck. The typical lesion is a flat discoloration with a sharp border and fine scales . The lesions are typically dark tan with a reddish cast. In blacks, pigmentary changes are common with hypopigmentation (loss of color) or hyperpigmentation (increase in skin color). Itching may or may not be present. Tinea versicolor is more common in hot climates and is associated with increased sweating . It occurs more commonly in adolescents and young men.
Prevention:
Maintain dry skin when possible.
Symptoms:
- persistent patches of discolored skin, dark tan with a reddish cast
- lesion has sharp borders
- lesion has fine scales
- most common sites: underarm, upper arm, chest, neck
- most common in adolescent and young adult males
- associated with hot climates
- associated with increased sweating
- itching
Signs and Tests:
Upon examination under a Woods lamp (a kind of ultraviolet light) the lesions will glow.
A skin scraping and subsequent examination under a microscope may show the yeast.
Treatment:
Antifungal agents are effective in eradicating the lesions. These medications include clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole.
Other agents have been successful including selenium sulfide preparations such as is found in Selsun shampoo.
Prognosis:
Tinea versicolor is easily cured by a variety of preparations. Conditions that caused its appearance will, if not changed, cause recurrences of the infection.
Complications:
There are no serious complications. Discomfort from itching , changes in skin appearance, and recurrence of the condition are the most common complications.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms suggestive of tinea versicolor.
Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection seen more frequently in adolescent males and young adult males that live in warm climates.
Tinea versicolor is a superficial fungal infection common in adolescent and young adult males. This close-up view demonstrates the typical pattern of the rash.
Tinea versicolor is a superficial fungal infection common in adolescent and young adult males. Frequent sites of infection include the neck, upper chest, and axilla (arm pit). The rash may range from yellow to golden brown in color.
Tinea versicolor is a superficial fungal infection common in adolescent and young adult males. Frequent sites of infection include the neck, upper chest, and axilla (arm pit). The rash may range from yellow to golden brown in color. Mild itching is also associated with this infection. This photograph demonstrates fairly extensive involvement.
This is a fungal infection of the skin known as tinea versicolor, and is common in adolescent and young adult males. Besides the rash, there may be mild itching. Frequent sites of infection include the neck, upper chest, and arm pit (axilla). The rash may be white to yellowish to golden brown in color. A tan can accentuate the difference in skin color.
Tinea versicolor is an infection caused by a fungus that is common in adolescent and young adult males. Besides the rash, seen here on the back, there may be mild itching. Frequent sites of infection include the neck, upper chest, and arm pit (axilla). The rash may be white (as seen here) to yellowish to golden brown in color. A tan can accentuate the difference in skin color.
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