Overview

Tinea versicolor is a skin infection. It causes many small spots, usually on the parts of the upper body like the chest and neck. The spots may form patches that have fine scales. The spots and patches may be lighter or darker than the skin around them.

The fungus that causes tinea versicolor normally lives on your skin. Sometimes it can cause a rash. This happens more often where it's hot and humid. Having an impaired immune system may increase your chance of getting this rash. Some people, especially teens and young adults, are more likely to get tinea versicolor. Tinea versicolor doesn't spread from person to person.

You can treat tinea versicolor with cream, ointment, or shampoo. You may need pills if the spots cover a lot of your body. Treatment kills the fungus quickly. Your skin, though, may not return to its normal colour for months after treatment.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Follow the directions for use of creams, shampoos, or solutions. You will probably need to use them for 1 to 2 weeks. If your skin gets irritated, stop using the product, and call your doctor or nurse advice line.
• Dry off well after bathing. Keep your skin dry.
• If the rash keeps coming back, you may want to use a cream, shampoo, or solution one time a month. Your doctor may prescribe pills to prevent the spots from returning.