Tinea Versicolor: What You Should Know
Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection that typically occurs on the chest and back of teenagers and adults. It usually appears as white spots in skin of color and as pink or red spots in lighter skin patients. It is rarely seen in children, but can begin as early as puberty. It is not contagious and usually asymptomatic.
How is it diagnosed?
Your dermatologist can diagnose tinea versicolor by a clinical exam and confirm their suspicion by doing a superficial skin scraping, staining the cells, and checking under a microscope for fungus. This procedure is known as a potassium hydroxide preparation (KOH).
What’s the treatment?
Prescription antifungal creams and pills are both effective treatments. However, even if the fungus resolves with treatment, discoloration of the affected areas can last for months to years before normal skin tone is restored. Patients who have had tinea versicolor are prone to recurrences.
Helpful tips to keep in mind
If you see a few white or red spots on your chest or back, don’t wait to see a dermatologist. Tinea versicolor does not spontaneously resolve on its own. It will spread and lead to increasing areas of discoloration.
Tanning will make it worse because the white spots will tan at a much slower rate than your normal skin, making the light spots appear even more obvious. To minimize the contrast, apply sunscreen of SPF 50 or higher.
Do you think you may have tinea versicolor? Consult one of our board-certified dermatologists. Please contact SSDP to schedule an appointment with any of our physicians.
