2
4
5
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Tinea versicolor - close-up
Tinea versicolor - close-up
Tinea versicolor on the back
Tinea versicolor on the back
Tinea versicolor - back
Tinea versicolor - back

Tinea versicolor
Definition:
A chronicfungal infection of the skin.

Alternative Names:
Pityriasis versicolor

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Tinea versicolor is a relatively common skin infection caused by the fungus (yeast) Pityrosporum orbiculare. This fungus is considered part of the normal flora on human skin (the microorganisms that are normally found on the skin of humans), and only becomes troublesome under certain circumstances.

The most commonly affected sites are the back, 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 African Americans, 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.

Symptoms:
  • persistent patches of discolored skin, dark tan with a reddish cast
  • lesion has sharp borders
  • lesion has fine scales
  • most common sites: back, 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:
A skin scraping and subsequent examination under a microscope should show the yeast.
Treatment:
Topical antifungal agents are effective in eradicating the lesions. These medications include clotrimazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole.

Over the counter dandruff shampoos applied to the skin for 10 minutes each day in the shower may also eliminate tinea versicolor.
Expectations (prognosis):

Though tinea versicolor is easily cleared, pigment changes may last for months after treatment.

Recurrences each summer are commonly seen.
Calling your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms suggestive of tinea versicolor.
Prevention:

Those with a history of tinea versicolor should attempt to avoid excessive heat or sweating. In addition, a dandruff shampoo should be applied to the entire skin for 10 minutes each week to help prevent recurrences.
Review Date: 8/7/2001
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com