Pityriasis Versicolor (Tinea Versicolor) ICD-10: B36.0

Fungal / Infectious skin condition

Often searched as: white patches on chest and back, skin that doesn't tan evenly, light spots after summer, discolored patches on shoulders, white spots from sun, skin spots that appear in heat, flaky white spots on back, pale patches on dark skin…

Clinical urgency level

lowmediumhigh

Systems Affected

skin

Severity Levels

mild

A few small discolored patches on the chest or back, mildly scaly, not spreading — responds well to over-the-counter antifungal shampoo or cream.

moderate

Widespread patches covering large areas of trunk, shoulders, or neck, more visible after sun exposure, recurring seasonally — requires prescription antifungal treatment.

severe

Extensive or recurring pityriasis versicolor resistant to standard topical treatment, especially in immunocompromised individuals — requires oral antifungal therapy and evaluation for underlying causes.

Red Flags

Patches spreading rapidly to the face or large body areas
No improvement after 4 weeks of antifungal treatment
Recurrence within weeks of completing treatment — possible immune suppression
Significant itching or inflammation beyond typical mild scaling
Patches that don't match typical presentation — rule out vitiligo, pityriasis alba, or other conditions

Clinical Presentation

Pityriasis versicolor — hypopigmented patches on the back after sun exposure

Source: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0 )

Pityriasis versicolor — hyperpigmented variant on lighter skin

View gallery on DermNet NZ (image gallery reference)

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if you're unsure whether your discolored skin patches are pityriasis versicolor or another condition (like vitiligo), if they keep coming back despite treatment, or if they spread to the face. A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis with a simple skin scraping and prescribe more effective treatments for stubborn cases.

Differential Diagnosis

Vitiligo (truly white patches — no scaling, no yeast)
Pityriasis alba (common in children — hypopigmented, dry patches on face)
Seborrheic dermatitis (scaly, greasy — scalp, face, chest)
Tinea corporis (ringworm — circular, active border)
Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation
Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis (brown, velvety network pattern)

Comorbidities

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating — major risk factor)
Seborrheic skin type (oily skin)
Immunosuppression (HIV, corticosteroids — more severe or recurrent disease)
Malnutrition or nutritional deficiencies (rare)

Prognosis

Pityriasis versicolor responds well to antifungal treatment — topical selenium sulfide, ketoconazole shampoo, or azole creams clear active infection in most cases within 2–4 weeks. However, skin discoloration (hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation) may persist for months after the fungus is eliminated, as the melanocytes need time to recover — this often confuses patients who think they're still infected. Recurrence is extremely common (up to 80% within 2 years) because the causative yeast is a normal resident of human skin. Monthly preventive antifungal applications during summer reduce recurrence.

Detailed Overview

Causes, Symptoms, and When to Take Action Pityriasis versicolor, also known as shining versicolor, is a common superficial fungal infection of the skin. It is caused by an overgrowth of yeast that normally lives on the skin surface. While not dangerous, this condition often leads to noticeable skin discoloration, which may be concerning for those affected. How It Looks Texture: Slightly scaly or finely flaky patches Color: White, pink, tan, or brown spots that may appear lighter or darker than the surrounding skin Shape: Irregular but well-defined patches, sometimes merging into larger areas Location: Commonly found on the chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms; occasionally on the face The condition tends to be more visible after sun exposure, as the affected areas do not tan evenly with the rest of the skin. Why Does It Appear? Several factors may contribute to the development of pityriasis versicolor: Heat and humidity: The yeast thrives in warm, moist environments Excessive sweating: Creates conditions favorable for fungal overgrowth Oily skin: Increases the likelihood of yeast imbalance Weakened immune system: May reduce the skin's natural defenses Age: More common in adolescents and young adults Should You Be Concerned? Pityriasis versicolor is not dangerous, but it can sometimes be mistaken for other skin conditions. Seek medical advice if: The patches spread rapidly or change in appearance Itching or irritation becomes bothersome You are uncertain whether the skin changes are due to this condition Can You Prevent It? While complete prevention may not be possible, steps can help reduce the risk: Keep skin clean and dry, especially in hot weather Wear breathable clothing to reduce sweating Avoid using overly oily skincare products Monitor your skin for early signs of discoloration 👉 How Piel AI Can Help Piel AI can help you track skin changes over time and notice if new spots appear or existing ones change. While it is not a diagnostic tool, it provides helpful support in monitoring your skin and deciding when to seek professional care. Summary Pityriasis versicolor is a common superficial fungal infection. It causes discolored, slightly scaly patches on the skin. Heat, sweating, and oily skin can increase the risk. The condition is not harmful but may require monitoring for changes.

Explore more conditions

Learn about other skin and hair conditions.

View all conditions →