Symptoms & Signs
The main symptom is patches of discolored skin with sharp borders (edges) and fine scales. The patches are often dark reddish-tan in color. The most common sites are the back, underarms, upper arms, chest, and neck. Affected areas do not darken in the sun (skin may appear lighter than surrounding healthy skin)
In African Americans, there may be loss of skin color (hypopigmentation) or an increase in skin color (hyperpigmentation).
Other symptoms include:
- Increased sweating
- Itching
Diagnosis & Tests
A skin scraping that is examined under a microscope should show the yeast.
Pictures & Images
Tinea versicolor – close-up
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Tinea versicolor: Overview, Causes
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Tinea versicolor: Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Tinea versicolor: Treatment
Review Date : 10/28/2008
Reviewed By : Michael Lehrer, MD, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
