Tinea versicolor can cause widespread, lighter lesions (hypopigmented). Tinea versicolor features lighter (hypopigmented), flat lesions with a very fine scale. This image displays the flat and minimally scaly, well-defined light and dark lesions typical of tinea versicolor. This image displays widespread, slightly elevated lesions due to a severe case of tinea versicolor. Tinea versicolor is a yeast infection, typically on the upper chest and back, which includes widespread areas of color change that are slightly scaly. This image displays widespread, slightly elevated, scaly lesions on the back. This image displays darkened, fine, scaling lesions that are flat on the surface of the skin. This image displays a typical location of tinea versicolor, the bend in the elbow. This image displays multiple circular, lighter, slightly scaling areas running into each other typical of tinea versicolor. Tinea versicolor typically causes areas of skin lightening or darkening with very sharp borders between the color changes, as displayed in this image. Tinea versicolor can present with dark flat areas, as seen in this patient, or areas of lighter skin lesions. Tinea versicolor extends from the trunk to the neck in this young man.
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Tinea Versicolor  Information for adults

Picture of Tinea Versicolor: Tinea versicolor can cause widespread, lighter lesions (hypopigmented). Divider line
Tinea versicolor can cause widespread, lighter lesions (hypopigmented).
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Self-Care Guidelines
If you suspect that you have tinea versicolor, you might try an over-the-counter antifungal cream such as terbinafine, clotrimazole, or miconazole. An over-the-counter shampoo containing selenium sulfide can be used as a lotion by applying it to the affected areas overnight and rinsing it off in the morning. However, if the condition does not seem to be getting better after 2 weeks of daily treatment, see a dermatologist or another physician for evaluation.

If you have been treated for tinea versicolor, avoid wearing tight, restrictive clothing. Also, sun exposure may make the light-colored areas more apparent, so avoid sun exposure or wear sunscreens until the spots have returned to their normal color.
When to Seek Medical Care
If the above self-care measures do not work or if you develop a rash all over that seems to be getting worse, see your doctor.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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