What should you know about tinea hyperpigmentation?

Inflammation from tinea can stimulate extra pigment in the affected skin. The mark may remain after scaling, itching, or an active border has improved. On deeper skin tones, the contrast can be especially noticeable, and the shade can look brown, grey, or darker than the surrounding skin. A dark patch alone does not prove that fungus is still present; ongoing itch, scale, spreading, or a raised edge deserves a fresh assessment.

Have the rash identified before treating the colour. Use an antifungal plan exactly as directed, keep the area dry, avoid rubbing, and do not share towels or clothing. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin can reduce further darkening. Once infection is controlled, a clinician may discuss options such as a chemical peel, skin brightening treatment, IPL photofacial, picosecond laser treatment, or hydroquinone treatment; these are not suitable for every skin type and can irritate active disease.

Arrange a dermatology review if the patch is spreading, painful, warm, oozing, rapidly changing, or returning despite treatment. Seek prompt care for facial or eye involvement, extensive disease, or a weakened immune system. Persistent pigment should be checked before any lightening procedure so the cause is not missed.

Could this be post-inflammatory pigment rather than active tinea? How will we confirm the infection has cleared? Which lightening approach is appropriate for my skin tone, and what irritation should make me stop?