Pityriasis versicolor alba: what to know

Tinea versicolor is a common superficial yeast-related skin condition. It can produce lighter, darker, pink, or tan patches with fine scaling, often across the chest, back, neck, or upper arms. The affected areas may itch mildly or cause no discomfort. The yeast can alter pigment activity, so the colour may remain uneven after the active scaling has improved. Sun exposure can make the contrast more obvious because surrounding skin tans. White patches, dark patches, and scaly skin have other causes too, so a clinician may inspect the scale and distribution before confirming the diagnosis.

A clinician may recommend a topical antifungal treatment, medicated shampoo treatment used on the skin, or oral antifungal treatment when the area is extensive or recurrent. Use the chosen medicine for the full directed course and follow contact-time instructions for washes. Keep skin dry after bathing, change sweaty clothing, and avoid sharing towels. Do not scrub to remove colour; pigment recovery can lag behind clearance and is not proof that treatment has failed. If a product causes swelling, severe burning, or a new rash, stop and obtain advice.

Seek a dermatology assessment if patches are rapidly changing, painful, markedly inflamed, spreading despite treatment, or associated with hair loss or sores. Arrange review when there is no fine scale but the colour change continues, because vitiligo, eczema, post-inflammatory pigment change, and other conditions can resemble tinea versicolor. People with repeated episodes may need a prevention plan suited to their skin and climate.

Ask whether the patches are active or only showing leftover pigment change, which formulation fits the affected sites, how to use a medicated wash safely, and how recurrence can be reduced.