Tinea Versicolor   

What is tinea versicolor?

Tinea versicolor is a skin condition caused by a yeastlike fungus called Malassezia furfur. Tinea versicolor means "multicolored ringworm." It is more common in warm, humid climates. The condition occurs in adolescents and adults.

Symptoms include:

• Numerous spots and patches appear on the neck, upper back, shoulders and other exposed areas.
• The spots are covered by a fine scale. (May just seem “dry” but not always easy to tell)
• The spots vary in size. Usually irregular shape or boarders.
• In summer, the spots are light and don't tan like the normal skin.
• In winter, as normal skin tone fades, the spots can look darker (often pink or brown) than normal Caucasian skin.

How long will it last?

The problem tends to come and go for many years. There are no serious complications. It is a cosmetic problem. Itching is uncommon.

How is it treated?

• Selsun Blue shampoo
  Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide) is a nonprescription medicated shampoo that can cure this condition. Apply this shampoo once a day for 14 days. Apply it to the affected skin areas as well as 2 or 3 inches onto the adjacent normal skin. Rub it in and let it dry. Be careful to keep it away from the eyes and genitals, since it is irritating to these tissues. After 30 minutes, take a shower. In 2 weeks the scaling should be stopped, and the rash temporarily cured. Normal skin color will not return for 6 to 12 months.
• Prevention of recurrences
  Tinea versicolor tends to recur. Prevent this by applying Selsun Blue shampoo on the areas that were affected previously once a month for several years. Leave it on for 1 to 2 hours, then shower. This precaution is especially important in the summer months because this fungus thrives in warm weather.
• Contagiousness
  Tinea versicolor is not contagious. This fungus is found on the hair follicles in many people. Only a few develop the overgrowth of the fungus and a rash.

When should I call my health care provider?

Call during office hours if:

• The rash is not improved with this treatment after 2 weeks (the scales or “dryness” only ... the pigment may take 6-12 months to return) or your child seems uncomfortable.
• You feel your child is getting worse.
• You have other questions or concerns.

Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books. Published by McKesson Provider Technologies.
Last reviewed: 2006-03-02 Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.