Skip to main content

Tinea Versicolor

Samantha L Cotler, MBA, DO Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Superficial fungal infection that interferes with normal skin pigmentation resulting in macules or patches that are hypopigmented, tan, brown or salmon-colored. Tinea versicolor is u...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Asymptomatic scaling macules typically affect the trunk and shoulders.

  • Mild pruritus may occur.

  • Skin eruptions are more prominent in summer months.

  • Sun tanning accentuates lesions becaus...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Apply prescribed topical medications to the affected skin.

  • Pigmentation/discoloration may take months to improve.

  • In people with recurrences, repeat treatment each spring prior...

ONGOING CARE

  • Ketoconazole 2% or selenium sulfide 2.5% shampoo can be used weekly for maintenance or monthly for prophylaxis.

  • Itraconazole 400 mg once monthly (in 2 divided dosages) during the warmer mo...

REFERENCES

1
Hald  M, Arendrup  M, Svejgaard  E, et al; and Danish Society of Dermatology. Evidence-based Danish guidelines for the treatment of Malassezia-related skin diseases...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Bhogal  CS, Singal  A, Baruah  MC. Comparative efficacy of ketoconazole and fluconazole in the treatment of pityriasis versicolor : a one year follow-up s...

CODES

ICD10

B36.0 Pityriasis versicolor 

SNOMED

56454009 Pityriasis versicolor (disorder) 

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Tinea versicolor, also called pityriasis versicolor, is characterized by noncontagious, finely scaling macules of varying colors.

  • Recurrence is common in summer months.

  • Lesions tend to b...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

Sign Up for a 10-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a 10-day FREE Trial now and receive full access to all content.

 
×