Tinea versicolor is a common superficial yeast overgrowth on the skin that causes light or dark patches, often on the chest, back, shoulders, and neck. It tends to recur, especially in warm, humid weather or with sweating.
How it looks
- Flat, slightly scaly patches that are lighter or darker than surrounding skin.
- More noticeable after sun exposure (affected areas don’t tan as much).
- Mild itch or none.
Quick diagnosis tip
- Gentle scraping can show fine scale. A clinician can confirm, but many cases are diagnosed by appearance and history of recurrence.
Treatment that works
- Topical antifungals (first-line):
- Shampoos used as body washes 3–7 days: selenium sulfide 1%–2.5%, ketoconazole 1%–2%, or zinc pyrithione. Lather on affected areas, leave 5–10 minutes, then rinse.
- Creams/gels: ketoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole applied once or twice daily for 2–4 weeks.
- Oral antifungals (for extensive or stubborn cases; clinician-prescribed):
- Short courses of itraconazole or fluconazole. Avoid alcohol with itraconazole; discuss interactions.
Important: Color changes can take weeks to months to normalize after yeast is cleared. That’s normal.
Preventing recurrences
- Maintenance washes during warm months: once weekly (or 2–3×/month) with selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, or zinc pyrithione shampoo on trunk/shoulders for 5–10 minutes, then rinse.
- Shower after sweating; wear breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics.
- Avoid heavy oils on the trunk that can occlude.
When to see a clinician
- If home treatments fail, rash is widespread, recurs frequently, or if diagnosis is uncertain (to rule out vitiligo, pityriasis alba, post-inflammatory pigment change, or pityriasis rosea).
Bottom line
- Clear the yeast now, then use a simple maintenance wash plan to stay clear through hot seasons.