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What is it about ?
Tinea versicolor is a benign skin condition characterized by colored spots on the skin and caused by a mushroom, Pityrosporon oval. This fungus also lives on healthy skin. It is not known why it suddenly starts to proliferate in some people and causes characteristic skin problems. From wet conditions and hot as well as excessive sweating, such as in a tropical climate, potentially play a role. The disease is not contagious.
What is its frequency?
In tropical countries, just under 1 in 2 people can be affected. In Belgium, the condition is much less common: around 1 in 100 people have it. It is observed more frequently during the summer period.
How to recognize it?
On the skin of the trunk, neck and limbs, and more rarely on the head, irregular spots appear, which peel slightly (desquamation) of a different color from that of the surrounding skin. On fair skin, they are usually brown, on tanned or dark skin, rather lighter in color. The spots are more visible after sunbathing. This is because healthy skin tans more quickly than the skin in areas affected by the fungus.
How is the diagnosis made?
Usually, the doctor can make the diagnosis based on the characteristic appearance. If necessary, a microscopic examination of the skin dandruff (dander) can confirm the diagnosis. Since the fungus also grows on normal skin, culture is not helpful.
What can you do ?
You can try to avoid aggravating factors such as heat, humid environments, and excessive sweating. Despite these precautions, the condition can always reappear, depending on the individual predisposition.
What can your doctor do?
The treatment aims to kill the fungi (antimycotic or antifungal or fungicide treatment).
Your doctor will prescribe local treatment in the form of shampoo or cream. Treatment with tablets is possible but the risk of side effects is higher.
Since the condition is mild, it can sometimes be left untreated.
Want to know more?
- Tinea versicolor on fair skin (image) – Global Skin Atlas
- Tinea versicolor on dark skin (image) – Global Skin Atlas
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