Tinea versicolour is a common fungal skin infection characterized by lighter or darker patches on the skin. Patches are most often found on the chest or back and prevent the skin from tanning evenly. It occurs mostly in adolescence and early adulthood, but it can occur at any time.

Symptoms of tinea versicolour:

Usually, the only symptom of tinea versicolour is the white or light brown patches. Patches may scale slightly, but rarely itch or hurt. Other common characteristics of the rash include the following:

• White, pink, or brown patches
• Infection only on the top layers of the skin
• The rash usually occurs on the trunk
• The rash does not usually occur on the face
• Patches worsen in the heat, humidity, or if you are on steroid therapy or has a weakened immune system
• Patches are most noticeable in the summer
• The symptoms of tinea versicolour may resemble other skin conditions.
• Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Tinea versicolour diagnosis

• Tinea versicolour is usually diagnosed based on a medical history and physical examination.. In addition, your physician may use an ultraviolet light to see the patches more clearly. Also, your physician may do skin scrapings of the lesions to help confirm the diagnosis.