A yeast infection of oily skin that causes light and dark patches with fine scales, mostly on the chest, neck and back.
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At a glance
- Who it affects
- People with light or dark scaly patches on oily skin.
- What you notice
- Fine-scaled patches on chest, neck or back.
- What helps
- May respond to antifungal treatment; colour change can take time and recurrence varies.
What we do
Your doctor may confirm the diagnosis before discussing antifungal care. It usually responds, but recurrence varies.
What you can do
- Keep affected areas dry.
- Do not share towels.
- Ask if patches return.
Read the full page on Pityriasis versicolor
What it is
Pityriasis versicolor is an infection caused by a yeast-like fungus. This fungus is normally present on everyone’s skin surface in small numbers, and why only some people get the infection and others do not is not properly understood. It thrives in oily areas such as the neck, upper chest and back.
It commonly occurs in young adults. It causes both light and dark coloured patches with superficial fine scales, and the common sites are the upper chest, neck and back. It usually produces few symptoms. The infection can increase in summer, when the temperature and humidity are high. It does not spread from one person to another.
How we treat it
A dermatologist can easily recognise pityriasis versicolor. If necessary, a simple examination of the fine scales scraped from the skin confirms the diagnosis.
It is treated with applied and oral medicines. Remember to use the medicines for the full duration prescribed. The fungus usually responds to treatment, but it can take weeks to months for the skin to regain its normal colour, and the infection sometimes comes back.
“Note that this condition is not related to leucoderma [Vitiligo] or leprosy.” — Dr. D. A. Satish, patient leaflet
Reviewed by Dr. D. A. Satish · date to be confirmedUnder clinical review
This page is being updated. The clinical information here comes from the clinic’s own patient leaflet and is under review by the doctor. Please ask at your consultation.
The information on this website is for general education only. It is not a substitute for a consultation, a diagnosis or a prescription. Always see a qualified doctor about your own condition.