What are the symptoms of tinea versicolor?

The patches may be tan, pink, brown, or paler than nearby skin. They can join together into larger irregular areas, and a fine powdery scale may be easier to see when the skin is gently rubbed. The colour contrast often becomes clearer after tanning because affected skin may not darken in the same way.

Mild itching can occur, especially with heat or sweating, but many people have no symptoms beyond the change in colour and texture. The usual sites include the chest, back, shoulders, neck, and upper arms. The appearance can resemble other causes of hypopigmentation or a skin rash.

Avoid scratching and do not share towels, clothing, or personal skin products until the diagnosis is clear. Take a photograph in natural light so a clinician can compare the colour over time; pigment may remain uneven for a while after the surface infection has been treated.

A clinician can inspect the scale and distribution and choose topical antifungal treatment, medicated shampoo treatment, or oral antifungal treatment when appropriate. Use medicines exactly as directed, especially if the affected area is broad or symptoms return.

Arrange an assessment if patches spread quickly, are painful, ooze, form thick scale, involve the face or scalp extensively, or do not improve with appropriate treatment. A review is also useful when the colour change has no scale or keeps recurring, because several skin conditions can look similar.

Ask whether the scale and distribution fit tinea versicolor, which treatment form suits the affected area, how to use it safely, and how long colour recovery may take after the infection settles.