Tinea versicolor

By SickKids staff

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An overview of the signs, symptoms, causes and treatment of the fungal skin infection tinea versicolor.

Key points

Tinea versicolor is a non-contagious, fungal skin infection common in adolescents.
Children with tinea versicolor have discoloured patches of skin.
Always see a doctor if you think your child has tinea versicolor.
Treatment with antifungal cream or lotion will usually reduce the discolouration after a few weeks.

Introduction

What is tinea versicolor?

Tinea versicolor is a fungal skin infection. Fungal infections are also called tinea. The fungus disturbs the normal pigmentation of the skin, resulting in small discoloured patches of skin. The skin condition usually occurs in adolescents. Their sebaceous glands are overactive. The sebaceous glands produce oils that lubricate hair and skin.

Unlike many fungal infections, tinea versicolor is not contagious. It does not pass from person to person. The fungus is often found on the skin of people who have no rash.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of tinea versicolor

Teen with tinea versicolor fungal infection on back, shoulders and arms — The small, discoloured patches of skin seen in tinea versicolor are caused by a fungal infection.

Discoloured patches of skin are the main symptom of this condition. They can appear on the back, chest, neck and upper arms. The patches may have the following characteristics:

darker than the surrounding skin on pale skin
lighter than the surrounding skin on dark skin
slight flakiness
well-defined borders
mild itchiness
patches can become more noticeable after sun exposure

The infection is most likely to occur when it is warm outside or in a humid climate.

Causes, risk factors and prevalence

Causes of tinea versicolor

Tinea versicolor occurs when a fungus invades the outer layer of the skin. The following factors may set off an overgrowth of the fungus, resulting in tinea versicolor:

hot or humid weather
oily skin
excessive sweating
hormonal changes
having a suppressed immune system

Treatment

Treating tinea versicolor

Your child's doctor will likely prescribe an antifungal cream or lotion that contains antifungal medications like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide and clotrimazole. If your child's condition is mild, an over-the-counter cream (such as Selsun Blue) applied to a large area of the skin will usually help the skin regain its normal appearance in a few weeks. Your doctor may also advise you to expose the discoloured skin to air as much as possible. Oral medications may be prescribed if the condition gets worse. Tinea versicolor often returns after treatment.

Prevention

Preventing tinea versicolor

To avoid getting tinea versicolor again, your child or teenager should try the following tips:

Do not use oily products on the skin.
Do not wear tight, non-breathable clothing.
Wear sun-protective clothing like hats or long sleeves.

When to seek medical attention

When to seek medical assistance

Make an appointment with your child's doctor as soon as discoloured patches appear on the skin. Tinea versicolor is not contagious or harmful. It can endure if not treated.

Last updated: March 5th 2010