Tinea versicolor on the head: what to know

Tinea versicolor usually affects the skin surface and may produce lighter or darker patches with fine scale near the hairline, neck, or behind the ears. A scalp that is very itchy, greasy, crusted, sore, or losing hair may instead have seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, folliculitis, or another condition. Because hair and facial skin need different care, an examination helps identify the cause before treatment is chosen. Related symptoms include [Scaly Skin](/symptoms/skin-scaling/) and [White Patches On Skin](/symptoms/white-patches-on-skin/).

Avoid scratching, picking, and heavy fragranced products on the affected area. Keep the skin clean and dry, and do not put a body cream into the eyes or on broken skin. A clinician may recommend topical antifungal treatment for suitable skin, a medicated shampoo treatment when the area allows it, or oral antifungal treatment in selected cases. Follow the label or prescription instructions closely, especially around the face and hairline. Review [Tinea Versicolor](/conditions/tinea-versicolor/) for general context.

Seek a dermatology review for hair loss, pus, thick crust, bleeding, severe tenderness, eye involvement, or a rapidly changing rash. Arrange care if patches remain unexplained or do not improve with the advised plan. Prompt review is useful because scalp infections and inflammatory conditions may need treatments that differ from antifungal skin care.

Is the change on the scalp, hairline, or nearby skin? Do you see scale without hair involvement, or signs of another scalp condition? Which product is safe near my eyes and hair?